Real Love, Really?

Take the 1 Corinthians 13 Love Test below that I created for myself when I was dating my future husband. Answer each question honestly. How would your “significant other” rate you? Any differences?

REAL LOVE, REALLY?

• Are you patient with _____ when he disappoints you?  Or do you feel like giving up—thinking he will never change?
• Do you honestly care more about _____ and his well being . . . than your own?  Can you prove it?
• Do you find yourself comparing _____ to other guys and wishing he were more like them?
• Do you think you are a better Christian than _____, easily spotting his faults without recognizing your own?  Do you take pride in the fact that you are stronger than him spiritually?
• Do you think _____ is “lucky” to have you and remind him of this fact when he forgets?  Do you feel “lucky” to have him?  When’s the last time you’ve told him how much you appreciate him?
• Do you value _____ opinions and genuinely listen to him?  Or do you think your ways are always right, make more sense, and are better overall?  Do you secretly think he’s “stupid” for thinking otherwise?
• Do you put _____ first?  Do you attend to his needs without expecting any favors in return?  Do you grumble or complain when he doesn’t meet your needs?
• Are you easily angered by _____?  Do you make cutting remarks about his character or his actions?  Do you compliment or criticize him more?
• Do you keep a running list of all the things _____ has done against you to remind him later when he falls down again short of your expectations?
• Do you feel justified after _____ asks for forgiveness to keep him waiting and “let him suffer for a while”?
• Are you excited to see _____ grow spiritually or do you focus on how far he has still to go?  Are YOU praying for him?
• Do you overlook (not ignore) _____ weaknesses choosing instead to focus on his strengths?
• Do you trust _____ to make right choices . . even when no one is around?
• Do you anticipate good things from _____, or do you expect the worst?
• Do you compare your relationship with _____ today with “how things used to be”?  Do you long for yesterday (and wish things were different) when things don’t turn out like you had hoped?
• Do you love _____ even when you see no progress and feel like giving up?

Next Steps…

• Make your own list based on 1 Corinthians 13. Make it specific to things you struggle with in your relationship. Journal about anything you discover in your answers. Look for opportunities to grow. Pray that God will help you.