Day 15

Love never fails . . .
never -- at no time; not ever; on no occasion; not at all; in no way; absolutely not; not in any circumstances; at no time, whether past, present or future; in no degree; not in the least.

fail -- to dwindle, pass or die away; end, limit; to prove deficient or lacking; to abandon, forsake; disappoint, prove undependable; to be wanting; to fall short; to become diminished; to decline; to decay; to weaken; to perish; to die.

Love is a not an emotion, it is a choice to be unconditional, without expectations of receiving anything in return. This is the kind of love that never fails. This is the love that can only come from the Father, through his son, Jesus Christ. For it is written:

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:15-16)

To further illustrate this unfailing love using the definitions above:

Love at no time abandons.
Love in no way disappoints.
Love does not in any circumstances weaken.
Love on no occasion proves undependable.
Love will not ever die.

The scriptures tell me how to express love:

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

John 15:12

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but

with actions and in truth."

1 John 3:18

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,

bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2

The scriptures tell me how wide, long, high and deep His love is:

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!"

1 John 3:1a

"For the Lord is good and his loves endures forever."

Psalm 100:5a

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken."

Isaiah 54:10a

Being able to love is not based on my ability, my strength, or my feelings:

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the

strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:26

I only need to stand my ground and after having done everything, to stand:

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be

men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

An illustration for the love I will give to my husband:

"Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

its ardor unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

like the very flame of the Lord.

Many waters cannot quench love;

rivers cannot wash it away."

Song of Songs 8:6-7a

Today I dare myself to receive the love of God and to let that love go forth out of my heart toward others.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"We love because he first loved us."

1 John 4:19

Day 14

Love always perseveres . . .
persevere -- to stay behind; to stand firm, endure, be patient; continue steadfastly; refuse to stop; persist. To bolster, sustain, or uphold. To maintain a purpose in spite of counter influences, opposition, or discouragement. To not abandon what is undertaken.

In order to persevere there needs to be a trial, something to push through. That's why it is said:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

We do not persevere in vain for it is written:

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)

I need to realize that my fight is not with my husband, or others. That is why it is said:

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Humans are fallible. It is inevitable that we will all make mistakes. I will face a bad day, an insensitive word, unmet expectations, etc... -- but that is where perseverance is born. Perseverance comes from my faith in Jesus and God's unfailing love for me. When faced with opposition I need to stand firm behind Jesus so he can sustain me through it.

I am not expressing love when I do not choose to persevere. Today I dare myself to refuse to withhold the love in my heart for my husband, and others, despite what obstacles are set before me. I will put on the full armor of God and stand firm.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardships,

do the work of an evangelist, discharge all

the duties of your ministry."
2 Timothy 4:5

Day 13

Love always hopes . . .
hopes -- put hope in, expect, an attitude of confidently looking forward to what is good and beneficial.

beneficial -- to bring together; to be helpful; be gained; common good

When I hope it should be of things that will bring us closer together, and ultimately closer to Jesus. Instead of hoping to change others, (which, though the intention is to do good, actually drives a wedge between us).

I will hope in the love of God.

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out

his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Romans 5:5

I will put my hope, my expectations, in God's promises.

"Uphold me according to Your promise, that I may live:

and let me not be put to shame in my hope!"

Psalm 119:116 Amplified

I will be still, increasing my faith, while He works in each of us as He wills.

"But if we hope for what is still unseen by us,

we wait for it with patience and composure."

Romans 8:25 Amplified

I am not expressing love when I let my hope become self-serving. Hope, the kind that comes from sincere love, fills us with joy and peace. I show my love when I hope in the promises of the Lord and share that hope with others. Today I dare myself to do just that--to put my hope in Jesus.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace

in believing [through the experience of your faith]

that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound

and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope."

Romans 15:13, Amplified

Day 12

Love always trusts . . .
trusts -- to believe, put one's faith in, trust, with an implication that actions based on that trust may follow; entrust, committed.

believe -- same meaning as above

Definition of believe -- to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.

Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.

In Matthew a blind man wanted healing and Jesus asked him, "Do you believe I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28).

In Mark when the synagogue ruler was told that his daughter was dead, Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; just believe." (Mark 5:36).

Again in Mark a father of a boy who was possessed by a spirit said to Jesus, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." Jesus replied, " 'If you can' ?" "Everything is possible for him who believes." The father immediately exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief ! " (Mark 9:14-24)

A Real Life Conversation

My daughter got her first tick one spring. She was frightened that a tiny bug had latched onto her and wouldn't let go.

I said to her, "Sweetie, I can take care of that."

Still, her face was full of worry. I got the tweezers and the rubbing alcohol ready. When she saw me with the tweezers she became tense and started crying.

Trying to soothe her I said, "Oh, don't be afraid."

Now, I believed I could get the tick out without much trouble. But she wasn't so sure. It actually broke my heart because I wanted my daughter to trust me. To believe that I could do what I said I could.

I told her, "Honey, I can do this!"

She said, "I know mommy, I'm just not so sure."

How it must break God's heart to hear this kind of conversation from me. He doesn't just want me to know what He can do; He wants me to trust, to believe that He will do what He says.

Trusting is hard because I am vulnerable, exposed. It is why when one is betrayed it can cut the heart deep down. However, I can see how it is an expression of true love when you do trust. My husband has never done anything for me not to trust in his love for me. Today I dare myself to trust in the love my husband has for me. To entrust to him my heart. When he says I am beautiful, I will smile and kiss him. When he says I love you, I will answer I'm glad because I love you too. I will believe.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Now it is required that those who have been

given a trust must prove faithful."

1 Corinthians 4:2

Day 11

Love always protects . . .
always -- all, every (thing, one), whole, continually, publicly, day after day, forevermore.

protects -- to put up with, stand, endure, cover.

Definition of protect: to cover or shield from danger or injury, to defend, to guard, to preserve in safety. Literally--to cover in front

"Sing about a fruitful vineyard:

I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continuously.

I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it."

(Isaiah 27:2-3)

"Timothy, (Wendy) guard what has been entrusted to your care."

(1 Timothy 6:20a)

The scriptures in Isaiah and 1 Timothy clearly tells how I should care for those I love and who have been entrusted to my care.

To love another means to stand between them and the threat.

"Greater love has no one than this,

that he lay down his life for his friends."

(John 15:13).

It means to nourish by speaking life to them and wrestling in prayer for them.

"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life"

(Proverbs 10:11a)

That my words and actions are edifying and wholesome.

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

(Proverbs 16:24)

I am not expressing love when I do not protect. Today I dare myself to fill my heart with God's Holy Word so that I will be equipped and ready to express goodness in what I say and do. I will pray daily for my husband to guard him against the fiery darts of the enemy. I will let the love I have in my heart stand between him and the world.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"The good man brings good things out of the good

stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things

out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of

the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."

Luke 6:45

Day 10

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth . . .
delight -- to rejoice, be glad, hail, full of joy, welcome

evil -- wickedness, wrongdoing, unjust, unrighteousness, dishonest, worldly

rejoices -- to rejoice with, shared joy, to experience joy and gladness in a high degree

truth -- truthfulness, corresponding to reality, assure, certainly

sincere -- pure, unmixed, unadulterated

I need to continue to replace the lies with the truth of God's Word:

Lie: I do not have enough faith.

Truth: "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

Lie: My prayers have no real power.

Truth: "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)

I am not expressing love when I hold on to the lies. As the Word becomes a part of my everyday thinking my love will be unmixed and able to grow deeply in my heart. My desire is to give my husband the unconditional love he has given me. Today I dare myself to cling to what is good and true.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

Romans 12:9

Day 9

Love keeps no record of wrongs . . .
record -- to credit, count, reckon, regard, think, consider, realize

wrongs -- evil, wicked, wrong, bad, a perversion of what pertains to goodness; an evil thing can refer to any crime, harm, or moral wrong.

Like the memory of an elephant, I have held in my heart the hurts done to me, especially by my husband. I've used that knowledge against him as a reason why he can't be trusted or believed when he says he loves me.

The truth is:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:23

Holding past wrongs against my husband, or others, shows I have not forgiven. Wisdom says: "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." (Proverbs 10:12)

I am not expressing love by stirring up the past. Today I dare myself to pay no attention to wrongs done to me. I will not repay evil for evil. As the Word says: "He who covers over an offense promotes love." (Proverbs 17:9a)

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Above all, love each other deeply, because

love covers over a multitude of sins."

1 Peter 4:8

Day 8

Love is not easily angered . . .
easily angered -- to be greatly distressed, irritated

irritate -- annoy

Whatever comes across our feelings irritates; whatever excites anger provokes; whatever raises anger to a high point exasperates.

"Susceptible and nervous people are most easily irritated;

proud people are quickly provoked;

hot and fiery people are soonest exasperated." --Crabb

Geez! For me it's a quick trip from irritated to exasperated. I need to tackle this feeling when it is in its first stage and not give it a foothold to grow into something that causes me to be foolish. When faced with somethng that is irritating me, I need to think of the other characteristics of love to douse it quickly.

I am not expressing love when I am easily angered. Today I dare myself to not sweat the small stuff. To keep in the forefront of my mind that I love my husband and children. To stay focused on showing patience and kindness. To lay at the cross my nervous and anxious feelings.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but

a prudent man overlooks an insult."

Proverbs 12:16

Day 7

Love is not self-seeking . . .
self-seeking -- the seeking (to look for, try to obtain, desire to possess, strive for) of one's own interest or selfish ends.

selfish -- caring supremely or unduly for one's self; regarding one's own comfort, advantage, etc., in disregard, or at the expense, of those of others.

"Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4 Amp)

"I want" can be the two most destructive words spoken. In being self-seeking, I lose sight and sensitivity to the needs of others. I stop being sincere with my motives and the people I love are left feeling confused, hurt, and unloved. I am not expressing love when I am being self-seeking. Today I dare myself to show the love in my heart by being truly concerned about others' needs by paying attention to what interests them so that they will have no doubt how much I love and esteem them.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to

covetousness (robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches.)"

Psalm 119:36 Amplified

Day 6

Love is not rude . . .
rude -- to act improperly, dishonorably, indecently.

indecently--unbecoming language, coarse

coarse--as in lacking in delicacy, lewd

lewd--preoccupied with sex and sexual desires, lust

lust--intense sexual desire or appetite, or obsessive desires

Whoa! What a "can of worms" this word opens up! I looked up indecently, which led me to coarse, which led me to lewd, which then led me to lust. All that from rude!

And, to my shame, I have shown them all. To be honest, I get confused by what is natural and normal and what is sinful desire. In trying to behave the right way I tend to go from one extreme to the other--frigid to excessive. In order to replace the lies with God's truth I need to understand what is good and of Him.

1 John 2:16 -- "For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world."

I am to be moral -- upright, honest, straightforward, open.

I am to be virtuous -- goodness, that is consciously or steadily maintained, often in spite of temptations or evil influences.

I am to be honorable -- respectable, esteemed.

But I am not perfect --

Like Paul said: "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me." (Romans 7:21) "What a wretched (woman) man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24)

Jesus is my rescuer! My hero who gave his life so that I could be free and live.

"Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

I am not expressing love when I am being rude. Today I dare myself to behave in a way that is honorable and good. To trust and let Jesus be my rescuer when faced with temptations that want to show my love in a sinful way. To believe and trust in the grace and mercy that God gives to me through His holy, unwavering love.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime,

not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality

and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,

and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Romans 13:12-14

Day 5

Love is not proud . . .
proud -- to puff up, inflate, arrogant

arrogant -- having or displaying a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance.

overbearing -- to treat in a domineering way, over-powering, repressing, insolent.

This is getting tough. In reading the definitions I am reminded of the many, many times I have behaved proudly. This ugly attitude was reserved mostly for my husband and I am ashamed of how I treated him. I let the lie that was fed to me take root and produce bad fruit.

The truth is:

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

"Therefore (I ) do not let the sin reign in (my) your mortal body so that (I) you obey its evil desires." (Romans 6:12)

"For sin shall not be (my) your master because (I am) you are not under law but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

"You (I) have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

I am not expressing love when I am proud. Today I dare myself to live as a child of light -- "for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth". (Ephesians 5:9)

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,

but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,

in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

Romans 12:3

Day 4

Love does not boast . . .
boast -- to say or tell things which are intended to give others a high opinion of one's self or of things belonging to one's self; to speak with excessive pride; to blow up, puff up, swell.

In trying to assure that others do not see me as inferior, I'm sure there have been too many times that I have been prone to boast. I've purposely used showy language to make myself feel superior. In my heart, I know I didn't intentionally set out to demean another person, however, intentions aside, the result is the same -- the person is not left edified, encouraged or feeling the love I say I have for them.

Ephesians 4:29 -- "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

I am not expressing love when I boast in myself. "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Galations 6:14a) Today I am daring myself to speak words that build up and inspire others. I will be careful to give God all the glory, honor and praise for everything he did, does, and will do.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scriptures to meditate on today:

"If I must boast, I will boast of the things that

show my weakness."

2 Corinthians 11:30

Day 3

Love does not envy . . .
envy -- to experience morally corrupt zealous ill will, to be jealous, eagerly desire, covet, as a negative attitude of lust and desire for another's possessions.

I will admit that I have experienced jealousy toward my husband. He is so at ease everywhere he is and with everyone he's around. Feelings of not being good enough or that people are going to see the things that were done to me or the things I did as a result overwhelm me so much at times I cannot be comfortable around other people. Just thinking about it makes me feel dirty. Darren knows my past and still says he loves me. I tell him he has to love me, we're married. But that's not truth. He doesn't have to love me. I praise God for creating Darren and I am humbled greatly that God chose Darren to be my husband as an example of Christ's love for me -- "this love that surpasses knowledge" (Ephesians 3:19a)

I am not expressing love when I am being jealous. Today I am daring myself to focus on the truth that I am loved. I will rebuke the destructive dialogue in my mind. I will praise God for my husband.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones."

Proverbs 14:30

Day 2

Love is kind . . .
Kind implies a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure.

Synonyms: mild, benign, gentle, tender, compassionate, forebearing, tolerant, generous, agreeable, benevolent

Benevolent -- suggests charitableness and a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others.

I've always thought of myself as a kind person, but to be honest with myself there isn't much fruit of that. Being kind and expecting something in return is not true kindness. True kindness requires a merciful disposition and I am quick to admit I have little mercy. If I feel that I've been offended, attacked, dealt with harshly or disrespectfully there is no show of kindness or forgiveness. However, not only does this attitude not show the love of Jesus, it also hurts me: "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself." (Proverbs 11:17)

So how do I receive the ability, the disposition, the characteristic of true kindness?

By relying on God's perfect love for me.

I am not expressing love when I am not showing kindness. Today I am daring myself to show kindness for no other reason than to express the love in my heart.

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Ephesians 4:32

Learning How to Love Unconditionally

Day 1

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." -- 1 John 4:18

Lord, in your abounding love, make me perfect in love.

Love is patient . . .
patient -- to exhibit internal and external control in a difficult circumstance, which control could exhibit itself by delaying an action.

I can become easily frustrated. I am guilty of taking that frustration out on others, especially those whom I say I love. I am not expressing love when I am not showing patience. Today I am daring myself to express my love by showing patience.

Scripture to meditate on today:

"Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry,

because man's anger does not bring about

the righteous life that God desires."

--James 1:19

Lord, in your abounding love, help me. Amen.