Dedicated

If you’ve ever been to a wedding, there’s a great possibility that you’ve probably heard the “Love Chapter” from I Corinthians 13 (TLB) read by some member of the wedding party. (By replacing the word “love” with the first name of the bride and groom, the couple has a wonderful idea of how they both can improve on their new marital union.) Here is the passage in its entirety. Take time to read it carefully.

“If I had the gift of being able to speak in other languages without learning them and could speak in every language there is in all of heaven and earth, but didn’t love others, I would only be making noise.  If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would it do? Even if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, I would still be worth nothing at all without love.  If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn’t love others, it would be of no value whatever.

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.  It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.  If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.

All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever. Someday prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge—these gifts will disappear. Now we know so little, even with our special gifts, and the preaching of those most gifted is still so poor.  But when we have been made perfect and complete, then the need for these inadequate special gifts will come to an end, and they will disappear.

It’s like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things.  In the same way, we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at his reflection in a poor mirror; but someday we are going to see him in his completeness, face-to-face. Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly, just as clearly as God sees into my heart right now.  There are three things that remain—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

I wish I could convince my wife to tell you all on this post that I am a model husband in every way. Bobbi is a woman with many opinions. She won’t lie for anyone. I struggle with many of the points in I Corinthians 13. I will always be a work in progress.

Over the years, I’ve gotten the privilege to see my wife in a variety of life situations. It has made me more aware how lucky I am that I married up. Most the time, I fully realize how blessed I am.

Over the years, my love for Bobbi has changed. Though providing more affection for the woman I cherish will always be a challenge for me, I think the older you get all the “proving who we are” is replaced by a certainty (of the real you), reassurance, and delight in life’s simplicity a lot like enjoying rich, warm caramel ( or hot fudge) topping on your favorite ice cream sundae.

Another wonderful Bible passage often used in weddings was not affectionately whispered between loving couples. In Ruth 1:16-17 (TLB), Naomi and Ruth (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) have both lost their spouses. Naomi is encouraging Ruth to leave her, and find love again.

Below is Ruth’s reply of utter dedication that has rightfully become included in many marriage ceremonies. (For a real life example of this relationship, see A Modern Day Naomi and Ruth.)

“Don’t make me leave you, for I want to go wherever you go and to live wherever you live; your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God;  I want to die where you die and be buried there. May the Lord do terrible things to me if I allow anything but death to separate us.”

In the above passage, the word “devotion” to a combined relationship greater than the individual comes to my mind.  Did you know that Ruth is in the genealogical line of Jesus Christ? (Matthew 1:5, Luke 3:31) What are investing in for those that follow you?  Is God’s loving all that you desire for every challenge lies ahead in your future? The chorus of the Newsboys’ song, “More Than Enough” answers the above curiosities.

You are faithful; You are Savior

You are more than enough

You are healer; You are holy

You are more than enough