As Valentine’s day rolls back around we are once again bombarded by TV ads for diamonds, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, red roses and definitions of love that seem watered-down to pander to our needs, desires or fantasies.
And our symbols for love, however expensive or exclusive they are, are utterly meaningless when we fail to understand and embrace love as a covenant.
What exactly is a covenant?
A covenant is a trustworthy, forever commitment. It is based on unselfishness, trust and grace. It requires both parties to take full responsibility for the relationship and to meet all the conditions that are required to make the relationship work.
This kind of love is unselfish. It is patient. It is is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13).
We will to be in covenant love. We choose. We decide to stay committed to each other.
Someone once said that a perfect marriage/relationship is two imperfect people refusing to give up on each other. Love is a lasting covenant.
Let’s “take back love” this Valentine’s Day and celebrate it for what it truly is!
~shini abraham, ©2017, duco divina – contemplative doodling
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