Love Who??

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy…”

I don’t know about you, but when I hear this little ditty my mind shifts into wedding mode. A sparkling white bride lost in the eyes of her tuxedo-d lover. A religious aunt pronouncing these poetic words in between tender love songs by Rascal Flatts.

Bliss. Bliss. Bliss.

But, the next time you hear this passage, you might want to remind yourself (get ready for the cruel reveal)… this passage isn’t about husbands and wives.

Sure spouses might be included in it’s addressees, in the generic sense. But it isn’t a marriage passage. Paul didn’t write it for a speech at a marriage retreat, for example.

He wrote it for the church; the people who were following in the way of Christ in Corinth.

So when you hear Aunt Gertrude reciting these words between the Unity Candle and the vows, yes, remember to treat your spouses well, ladies and gentleman.

But don’t let yourself off the hook there.

We’re called to fire up some of that patience, kindness and selflessness for other followers of God–who, by the way, Paul referred to as “Brothers” and “Sisters”–too.