Love 4

Proverbs 3:3

I imagine that every one of us could name a relationship that has fallen apart, whether two people who were married and are now divorced, or two or more people who were committed to one another but in time that relationship ended. And we see failed love. We see a strong emotion that has faded or been broken, and we may be part of one of those relationships ourselves.

It can sadden us to see these bonds being broken. It can even frighten us to see relationships fall apart. And we may wonder if anyone can have a good love relationship, or is it reserved only for a lucky few.

But Proverbs offers some guidance in love. How are we to approach love and faithfulness? What are we to do with them?

Successful love relationships are not a matter of luck. Strong love bonds involve a daily commitment of those who are in love, holding fast to the emotion of love and the commitment of faithfulness.

Obviously love and faithfulness are emotions and behaviors, attitudes and not objects. So it may be difficult to comprehend how we are to bind these ideas around our necks. But the writer is speaking symbolically, giving advice on attitudes rather than specific actions.

If we will truly love another person we must be the ones who cling to this emotion. If we will see our relationships succeed then it is up to us to hold tight to love and faithfulness. We are the ones who should not allow these to leave us.

And how do we do this? We do it by symbolically binding love and faithfulness to ourselves. Our love and devotion should always be with us, tied to our very being and who we are. Love should be written on your heart, a part of what you do and how you behave in your relationship.

As a person might write in ink on a tablet of paper, the images and words becoming a permanent, everlasting message, so love and faithfulness must be in your heart. Love is not a fleeting emotion, a temporary feeling. It is an everlasting commitment of caring and dedication to the one who is loved.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be certain that love and faithfulness are written in your heart?