Things I’ve Learned In Love
My fiancé and I have been together for over five years now, and this relationship has taught me so much. We have gone through multiple seasons together, moved from the Chicago area to South Carolina, celebrated milestones in our careers, and leaned on each other throughout everything in between. I couldn't be more grateful for our love. We complement each other in every way. God really knew what he was doing when he sent Jonathan my way. In celebration of us getting married in less than two months, I wanted to list a few things I've learned about love these past five years.
1. GOD IS LOVE, SO LOVE WITH GOD
Having God be the center and the foundation of our relationship is the most important thing. Praying together, going to church together, and trusting God together has built a solid foundation for us. God is the creator of love -He is love- so how can we love well without Him?
Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): "Love is patient, love 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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
This verse is such an amazing display of what love is. It can be difficult sometimes to always be forgiving and patient with your partner, but whenever we experience hardships, this verse is a reminder of what TRUE love is.
2. BEING LOVED WELL TAUGHT ME TO LOVE MYSELF
This may be controversial, but I'm not sure I agree with the saying “you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else”. I truly believe the right person can love you so well, it teaches you how important and valuable you are. When Jonathan and I first started dating I definitely was in a broken place. He slowly picked up all of the broken pieces and put me back together. He loved things about me that I didn't. He helped me get my confidence back, and reminded me of my beauty inside and out.
He reminded me what GOD says about me.
He showed me how to love myself again.
3. SUPPORT IS KEY
I am so lucky to have a partner that supports me in every decision I make. Supporting one another is so important in having a healthy relationship. Whatever my dreams are, no matter how wild (or even unrealistic sometimes) my partner has always supported me. He is my biggest hype man, and best friend. We share our hopes and dreams and pray for each others successes. We are so completely aligned with our visions and goals- which is such a valuable thing to share with your partner.
To love is to support and lift one another up.
