REAL LOVE IN REAL LIFE

I’m sure you’ve heard of the “Love Chapter,” but have you heard of the “True Love Test?” I discovered this when I was compiling some premarital counseling resources for my dad a few years ago, and it’s lingered with me ever since

The True Love Test is very simple and very profound. All you have to do is take the things
1 Corinthians tells us about love, and insert your name. Then ask yourself, is this true of me?
In premarital counseling, it goes further – you insert your fiance’s name, as well, questioning
​if he or she is exhibiting that brand of love toward you, as well.

Here’s what mine would look like:

Bethany is patient.

Bethany is kind.

Bethany does not envy.

Bethany does not boast.

Bethany is not proud. 

Bethany does not dishonor others.

Bethany is not self-seeking.

​Bethany is not easily angered.

Bethany keeps no record of wrongs. 

Bethany does not delight in evil.

Bethany rejoices with the truth. 

Bethany always protects.

Bethany always trusts.

Bethany always hopes.

​Bethany always perseveres.
​

​When I personalize scripture, it makes it much more real, direct, and applicable to my life.
It’s one thing to read about what agape (sacrificial) love looks like; it’s another thing to hold yourself to the standard. As I read through the passage inserting my name, it’s easy to see where I fail and where I need to make adjustments in the way I love the people God has
​placed in my life.

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