LOVE'S PATTERN

"Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian." - D.L. Moody

1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

I had seen this Scripture for many years but in my mind I understood it to mean that I should be a good example to the other believers in the church. Now I know it can be presented in context that way too and being an example that other believers can emulate is a great thing to do. However, not too long ago I noticed that in the KJV it says to be an example "of the believers", not an example "to the believers." Now that opens up a whole new dimension. In this post I want to talk about how your relationship can be and should be an example of how believers court and run their marriage/home. Take another look at our opening quote by D. L Moody of blessed memory. It's so true that not everyone will read the Bible. As a matter of fact, more people read the believer than they do the bible. So, it's important that our relationships display the right information for them to read,

The things we say to each other in our relationship and how we say what we say to each other goes a long way to show whether or not we are good examples of those who believe in Jesus Christ and these can either attract people to running a Christian relationship/marriage or repel them-. We need to deliberately practice talking to each other right, behaving right to each other and loving each other as we ought. When we find that we've been inappropriate in our speech to our partner, it's good to quickly tender a sincere apology. People observe the way we talk to each other. Now talking of the way we behave to our partner, do we treat them as God's special gift to us, or do we disregard them and act like God's gift to us is still roaming about somewhere in town? Faith says I have it now. Our behaviour speaks volumes. God designed the union of a man and a woman to be a certain way. By His design, the man cares for and cherishes the woman while the woman helps the man and supports him in fulfilling the assignment God gave Him. So, these should be seen in a very healthy measure in a godly relationship even prior to the marriage of the two believers involved. The man's behavior should be tender, loving, protective and faithful towards the woman. The woman should reciprocate these with an attitude of servitude, as she faithfully helps the man accomplish His passions.

Let's look at some other areas. It's sad that some people who used to be on fire for God, get into a relationship or get married, and then their passion nose dives. They still do a few things here and there but ultimately everyone can tell that they have lost the rhythm somewhere. This should not be. Our relationships should help us get stronger in our walk with God. The Bible says one will chase a thousand but two will chase ten thousand. This should be the trend in our relationships. Other people wanting to get into godly relationships or people in relationships wanting to get married should look at us and get inspired. Our faith should not suffer or be crushed because we're in what we call 'a love relationship'. Everything about God is constantly progressing. This also should be the case with us in our relationship. Let nothing quench the fire. Rather let's keep putting in more wood. Then, in closing today's focal verse, Paul mentions purity. Being believers this is even more important. This is why we must be careful not to emulate the world's way of running pre-marital relationships. Their teachings are often no good either. Let's separate our ideas and our conducts from what is considered the norm. The relationship between Joseph and Mary was characterized by purity until they got married. Same thing we see in Jacob's dealings as he waited to marry his wife. This is necessary as believers. Laying hold on the grace of God, let's live out the Bible for the rest of the world to read our lives and see the very same Jesus who was, who is and is to come. We should be patterns to others of how a relationship/marriage ought to be.

Keep Loving, Keep Living...............LOVE ISSUES
@Bibilovejunkie