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Monday, August 3, 2009

Beloved, Part II

[Jesus] said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
~ John 21:17 (NKJV)

A Psalm of David The Servant of the LORD,
Who Spoke to the LORD The Words of This Song ...
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
~ Psalms 18:1 (NKJV)


Thoughts on what it means to say "I love you," with thanks to Shark Bait, who today hosts a guest blog rerun of mine by the same title. (Be sure to visit Shark Bait, my precious friend of a FISH—Faithful In Serving Him.)

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Can we say the words, "I love you" too often? Should they be like fine china, brought out only for special occasions when they will be most appreciated? Or is it possible to make them meaningful each time because they are never a substitute for showing love? Actions speak louder than words, but words backed by actions speak loudest.

Jesus restored Peter by compelling of him the words "I love you" as many times as Peter had denied him.

My husband and I celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary today. As I search for meaning in this seemingly random number, it occurs to me that 18 is the number at which a person is considered an adult, when the world looks for credible maturity. I think my marriage grown-up. I hear my "I love you" as mature. But do I truly display maturity as a wife to him and to those around me? Or do I merely think I've learned much when in fact I'm just beginning to learn?

I've been reflecting the last few days on the words of Michael Hyatt on marriage, from his not-to-be-missed message "What Keeps You Going When You Want to Quit?" of July 31st. It occurs to me that while some people approach marriage with the attitude of "divorce is not an option," more difficult than not quitting on marriage legally is not quitting on a marriage emotionally—not reaching the point where it is an effort to say "I love you."

The most passionate and most prolific author of praise, King David, began the psalm written at his life's end with the words, "I will love You." He evidently did not see death as the end of love, but believed it a place from which to commit to eternal love.

I love You, O Lord, my Strength and my Song. I have loved You more and more each day that I've been privileged to know You. I neither tire of saying the words nor of looking for ways to live them. There is never a day You've not shown Your love for me. Show me how to live those words so that they are meaningful every time I say them to You, every time I say them to my husband, and every time I say them to the many people I love.

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

10 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary sweetie, many blessings to you and your dear husband.

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  2. Happy Anniversary! 18 years, what a blessing!

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  3. Congrats on eighteen years of marriage, Anne! I adore anniversaries more than birthdays; while birthdays celebrate another year of simply being alive, an anniversary celebrates the accomplishment of continued love--to God be the glory!

    I hope you and your beloved have a lovely day together!

    God bless you both and the entire Bundy family today.

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  4. Thank you Denise. Your affection for Lovebug is a true inspiration.

    T. Anne, thank you. And I do thank God for this blessing.

    Gwen, indeed, to God be all glory for any accomplishment in my life. You and Mr. Stewart are also an inspiration. I've yet to adequately convey my thanks to him for entrusting you to me next month.

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  5. Happy Anniversary!
    Sending my love to you.
    ~ Wendy

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  6. Congratulations on your special day.

    <-SB><

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  7. Wendy, I love you, too.

    Shark Bait, you're a gem. Thanks again for the guest post.

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  8. You know, I felt the nudge to log back on here to see if you'd written another inspiring post and then I read your comment.

    You made me cry. It was just what I needed at this moment!
    Our God is SO good.
    ~ Wendy

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  9. Happy 18th, Anne! Isn't it amazing what God reveals to us through our marriages - and how He continues to grow, stretch and refine us. :-) Praying sweet blessings upon you, your husband, your marriage and your family!

    I love how Peter denied Jesus 3 times and then later at the fire gave him just as many times to renew his love for Him. God is SO good.

    Sweet blessings,
    Amy

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  10. Wendy, of course I love you! And any time you need to hear it you just let me know. As you can see, I'm not conservative about saying it or showing it.

    Amy Jo, I've learned more through marriage than through any other life experience, for sure. And yes, the God Who specializes in reconciliation is ever merciful to us.

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