This past weekend was Valentine’s Day weekend and what a weekend it was! According to the USA Today, flower sales were estimated at $2.3 billion in 2020, up from $1.9 billion in 2019, and candy sales were even higher. Some lovers chose to share an experience rather than candy and flowers. Kathy and I were fortunate to have all three. Along with the candy and flowers, we had a chance to see Baby Face this past weekend and he song all of his classics. One particular moment captured the essence of the entire night. Baby Face was singing about all the things he would do “as soon as he came home from work.” And as Kathy and I and the entire crowd sang along with him, a man a couple rows ahead of us stood up, put his arm around his woman, and held her close, real close! Although he didn’t say a word, his gesture spoke loudly and clearly. He wanted his woman to know that he would do all the things for her that Baby Face was singing about. It was indeed a “true love” moment.
Moments like these are what make Valentine’s Day fun. But now that the weekend is over, the real challenge begins. In the words of Hebrews 13:1, our challenge as couples is to let love continue. The text specifically states that we are to let “brotherly” love continue. The word “brotherly” is translated from the Greek word philadelphia which means, a fraternal affection, a trusted friendship, a brotherly kindness, a Christian love. This type of love is targeted towards all Christians in general but is especially applicable in marriage. In fact, it is paramount in marriage. Eros love says I desire you, you’re attractive to me. Eros is the kind of love that we witnessed at the concert and it is the kind of love that is most often identified with marriage. But the heart of true love is expressed in the day-to-day trusted friendship that a couple shares. When Kathy and I are able to walk together as friends, we build on our bond of solidarity. Our steady building makes our bond not easily broken. We also position ourselves to experience the greatest of all forms of love, agape. The Bible tells us that agape love is patient, it is kind, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, and never fails (1 Cor. 13)! Agape love is never perfected in our relationship but rather a continuous work in progress and a constant pursuit. May God help us! So, now that the celebration is over, let us be diligent to let love continue. Let brotherly love continue.
What tangible, practical ways can cultivate love in your relationship this week?
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