Love is the greatest commandment, but why? God created man and woman and the covenant of marriage; we need love, we are wired for belonging and connection. God designed us to be in relationship with him and other people, to experience the security of unconditional love. It isn’t for His sake that he commands us to "love one another" it is for ours.
Luke 6:27-28
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
And Matthew 5:43-45
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
What is God's design for love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
What is the Love Triangle?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.
A perfect triangle has three points, one at the top and two perfectly spaced and level at the bottom. A triangle is solid, its base is wide but without the point, it would be nothing more than a straight line. Each side has its own arm which individually comes together at the point, making the triangle. A circle is a continuous loop but with a triangle you can clearly identify three distinct points. What does this have to do with Love, marriage, and relationships? In Genesis we learn that God took one of Adams ribs to make eve, this is significant because his rib was at his side. Eve was to stand beside him as an equal partner and together they were in unity with God. God is the point and it is our vertical relationship with him that completes the triangle. A healthy, secure marriage begins and ends with God.
Weekly Relationship Tip - The Connection Triangle
Draw another triangle in your mind and label it as follows, communication at the point, flexibility at the bottom right, and quality time to the left.
Communication = understanding, solution forming, connection which leads to...
Flexibility = selflessness, sacrifice, compromise, consideration which leads to...
Quality time = intimacy, physical connection, bonding which leads to security and healthy, productive communication.
Prioritize and guard your relationship; if communication suffers, hurt feelings ensue leading to rigidity which kills intimacy and ultimately destroys security and connection. Get help if you need it, fight for your marriage!
I want to hear from you, bring your questions! Faith, family, marriage, parenting, friendships; nothing is off the table!
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