Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes this post from Christian counselor Paul Tripp laying out twenty-three traits of true love (posted Feb.10, 2015).
Whether you are married or single, hopelessly “in love” or presently “out of love”, these are the characteristics of the love that the God of love has shown to us. And therefore, no matter what our current state may be, this is the love we must show to those closest to us as well as to those neighbors whom the Lord sets on our path, including the unloving and hateful.
And if you have any doubt about the nature of this love, read 1 Corinthians 13 again. And again.
This is Tripp’s introductory note and the first 5 of love’s traits. Find the rest at the link above.
Last year I posted an Article with a long list of definitions of what love is, 23 definitions to be exact. Since you and I have the tendency to be distracted and forgetful, I want to post that list again.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, here’s a gospel-centered reminder about how to love. But, you don’t have to be romantically in love to find this list practical. Every healthy relationship requires love and sacrifice, so if you’re a parent, child, sibling, neighbor, pastor, or co-worker, this list is for you.
God bless you in your relationships, and may the Holy Spirit empower you to love with a love that is not your own.
23 THINGS THAT LOVE IS
- LOVE IS… being willing to have your life complicated by the needs and struggles of others without impatience or anger.
- LOVE IS… actively fighting the temptation to be critical and judgmental toward another while looking for ways to encourage and praise.
- LOVE IS… making a daily commitment to resist the needless moments of conflict that come from pointing out and responding to minor offenses.
- LOVE IS… being lovingly honest and humbly approachable in times of misunderstanding.
- LOVE IS… being more committed to unity and understanding than you are to winning, accusing, or being right.
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