We know how to FALL in love.
It just happens. It's not hard. It's exciting, romantic, and fun. We're good at falling.
It's not as easy to WALK in love when we're required to stand firm and walk through the good and the bad, the better and the worse.
We are a country of romantics who've learned about love from soap operas and television dramas where men and women fall in love and out of love, changing sex partners as often as they change clothes.
But marriage involves two selfish people who must daily die to self, forgive, serve, persevere, learn and grow.
It means doing the hard things.
It means learning to make another person happy.
It means expecting less and giving more, overlooking small annoyances and mistakes, and forgiving each other.
It isn't easy, but, if we persevere, we find out it's worth it all. We find out that falling wasn't half as good as walking...hand in hand...over the bumps...through the puddles...around the rocks...growing in our appreciation for each other.
Some Important elements of "walking in love":
Forgivness:
Colossians 3:13:Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
An Unselfish, Considerate Attitude:
Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
How does your "falling" compare to your "walking"?
What about walking is hardest for you?
What is the most important thing you've learned in your marriage?
I just loved your 'walking in love' concept, Gail! Wonderful post as usual.
ReplyDeleteMy Pastor always says we shouldn't "fall" in love....you should never fall into anything...love is a decision....a daily decision. Good read- even if I am not married. ☺
ReplyDeleteIris♥ @ The BlueBirdhouse
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This is completely 100% awesome! I'm forwarding this on!
ReplyDeletelove the concept of 'walking' in love.....sometimes that walk is uphill and hard, but definitely worth it!
ReplyDeleteNice concept and good words to remember. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMegan
Love this post --- and I've also heart that love is often a daily "decision" --- falling in love is the easy part, walking the rest of your life in love is where you grow and learn!
ReplyDeleteI love the comparison between walking and falling. Yes, walking take effort. I have gotten into the habit of thinking that my husband and should just naturally be growing closer but it doesn't work that way. It's takes intentionality.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post, Gail. I love so much of what you say here, but especially this, "Marriage involves two selfish people who must daily die to self, forgive, serve, persevere, learn and grow." I so resonate with this and I'm so glad you shared this with Wedded Wed. You have a real heart for marriage and you speak great words of wisdom to us each week. Thanks so much for that, friend!
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