Love: A lifetime of choice and committment
I took this picture while I was on my way to my dad's place. It's a beautiful sight that an elderly couple still together, holding hands and walking home after exercise. Do you know how wonderful it was to witness that?
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." ~Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
Just as i pen this down, i recognised how difficult it is to find that kind of companionship and love. I am not really saying about friendship. There is a reason why God created Adam, and it is not good in His sight, then He created Eve. It is all the goodness of God's plan. The difficulty comes when storms of life, different expectations, temptations etc and waiver that committment and love in that relationship.
Love is a constant choice to forgive, bear one another, esteem one another and to respond in loving words and actions. Love is a constant choice to commit despite the storms.
If you have found that someone today (the person feeling mutual) treasure him/her because it is God's goodness and grace that has happened. Hold on and don't give up.
A prayer for your relationship: (pray alone or with your partner)
Dear God,
I pray that You would protect this relationship with (name:_________________) from anything that would harm or destroy it. Shield it from our own selfishness, sin and neglect, from the evil plans and desires of others and the evil one, from unhealthy or dangerous situations. May there be no thoughts of seperation. Set us free from past hurts, memories and ties from previous experiences and relationships, unrealistic expectations from self and others. I pray that there be no jealousy or low self-esteem that precedes that. Let nothing comes into our hearts and habits that would threaten the relationship.
Unite us in a bond of friendship, committment, generosity and understanding. Eliminate our immaturity, hostility or feelings of inadequacy. Help us to make time for one another, to nurture and re-new the relationship. I pray that (name:____________________) would be so committed to You, Lord, that his/her committment to me will not waiver, NO MATTER WHAT STORMS COME. I pray that our love for each other will grow stronger everyday.
In the Mighty Name of Lord Jesus Christ we pray Amen!