Two years ago, my wife Peggy and I celebrated our 54th anniversary with a trip to Kauai. We were on a small bus with about 20 people on the way to an excursion.
As we drove the tour leader asked people to tell the group where they were from and why they’re visiting. I mentioned that we live in Carson City, and that we were celebrating our 54th anniversary.
Then the leader asked, “What’s your secret to stay married for 54 years?” I thought for a moment and said, “I guess you could say the secret for us is to love God with all your heart, walk closely with Jesus Christ every day, and love your spouse as you love yourself. Simply, love God and love each another.”
When I think about love, I look to God’s definition and guidelines given to us in 1Corinthians 13:4-7. I can read the list, but knowing what they are and living them out are certainly two different things.
When I look and ponder biblically-defined love, I pray, Lord, help me… help me be patient and kind, not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Lord help me be not self-seeking, not easily angered, not keeping a record of wrongs, being quick to forgive, not delighting in evil but rejoicing with the truth.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. It’s only by the grace of God and the power of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit, that we can truly be loving people.
I guess that’s the secret, continue to grow in love, in love for God, for your spouse, and grow in love for others. Truly, love is the goal of our life.
Louis J. Locke is founding pastor at Carson City Foursquare Church.