"Love is patient, love is kind."
- 1 Corinthians 13:4
I have been dating someone new for the past two weeks. Like most relationships, everything seemed amazing and perfect in the beginning. However, our level of consideration, respect, and trust for each other was what helped solidify the foundation of our relationship. Yet, even in such a safety nest, we had our first argument last night (and by "we", I actually mean I was yelling at him, while he listened and apologized).
After talking with my accountability partner E. and my sister G., I realized that I was in the wrong. God had given me an opportunity to shine grace in M.'s moment of weakness, and I had failed miserably. Feeling horrible, I left three voice messages and countless text messages the next few hours. M. called me at 4:00am in the most calm and forgiving tone of voice - he was not angry at all. About a week or two ago, I had shared with him stories about my anger management issues in past relationships, so he figured it would be only a matter of time before I lost my cool with him. He said it still hurt, but he understands where I am coming from. He then reassured me that he is committed to this relationship, so he will work on being more considerate. He also said that he hopes this relationship will continue to be healing for the both of us.
Later on in the day (about an hour ago), he gently asked me what love was. Not knowing where he was going with this, I hesitatingly answered, "..... God?" He replied, "Yes... but what specifically is love?" I still did not understand where he was going with his question, and I quite honestly do not enjoy guessing games, so I slowly started quoting 1 Corinthians 13, hoping I had given him the answer he was looking for. After listening to me for a moment, he asked me to repeat what the first two were. I said, "Love is patient, love is kind." He encouraged me to really meditate on those words so that it resonates in my heart. He then shared that he is dedicated to helping me live out 1 Corinthians 13 so that even if we break up someday, our relationship would have had a positive and lasting impact on the rest of my life.
I am humbled on three accounts. First, I am humbled by his patience and maturity - which I experienced first-hand when I received forgiveness so quickly and without any punishment. Second, I am humbled by his gentleness, loving encouragement, and dedication in helping me grow in love. Finally, M. may not be able to quote much Scripture, but whatever he does know, he has sincerely committed those words to his own heart - as someone who grew up in the church and even graduated from seminary, I am ashamed to say that I may be able to quote Scripture with more finesse than M. could, but those words of God have not always changed my life.
All in all, I am very thankful to have a boyfriend like M.... but I am also quite intimidated. I have never been with anyone so level-headed. I don't know how to take it, but it should be an exciting and eventful journey ahead. I will be sure to journal along the way.
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