Focus on the Best

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

First Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the love chapter in the Bible and it contains some valuable advice on how to love. It’s a great chapter, especially when it comes to learning how to love imperfection.

You see, the people we love are imperfect. As a result, 1 Corinthians 13:7 tells us to never give up, always endure and stay hopeful. Love has to endure because the people we love often do things that hurt us.

Actually, the people you love the most have the greatest ability to hurt you. They may not mean to, but they do it because they’re imperfect. Verse 4 tells us to be patient and kind because the reality is that you will bring each other pain in the relationship. And verse 5 teaches us to keep no record of these wrongs. You know that those you love are going to wrong you at some point in the relationship, and when they do, you have a choice to make. Choose to let it go or hold on to the offense.

To love someone, you can’t put a microscope on problems, hurts and issues. I’m certainly not suggesting you ignore issues or hurtful behaviour, but in healthy relationships it’s important to focus on the positive as you confront your differences.

When you think about the people you love, think of good things. Think of the reasons you fell in love with your spouse in the first place. Think of the sacrifices your parents have made for you. Remember all the times your friends have been there for you. When you do, your heart will expand to love them more. With love in the foreground, problems and issues will become easier to work out.