16 LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY

“There is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you,” read the plaque on the pastor’s desk. “Yeah, right!” I thought. Instead of focusing on the conversation, I began to think of all the things I might do to upset him. Foolish thoughts, but they were real feelings.

No one can make us feel any way. Our feelings belong to us. We choose how we feel. So my mate can’t make me angry or make me love him or her. Love has feeling, but it’s more than a feeling—love is an act of will. I choose to love even when I don’t feel loving or my matE is acting unlovely.

Unconditional love … seeks the best; prefers my spouse’s needs over my own; cares deeply; listens attentively; makes a lifelong decision to forgive; speaks the truth in love; sacrifices immediate gratification for long-term relationship

Try this: Find out the top needs your spouse has, such as security, affirmation, time with you, etc. Decide to meet those needs consistently with your best effort.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Cor. 13:4–8 NIV