By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Love That Goes the Distance

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“Love never fails….”
1 Corinthians 13:8a New International Version

It was a project that neither Margaret nor I would ever forget.  Before we built our house we needed to build a big 40′ by 40′ shop.  And because Margaret was between jobs, she volunteered to help me build it.

How can I put this delicately?  Let’s just say that my style of communication on building projects was quite different than what Margaret preferred.  In other words, she would have appreciated more discussion and give and take conversation, rather than me ordering her around in monosyllables! It is amazing how my ability to verbalize seemed to decrease when trying to put up sheet metal!

Nevertheless, our marriage survived the construction.  And in some ways, we came to understand and appreciate each other far more during the struggles in building and conversing.  What was revealed was our deep love for one another.

This love ultimately does not come from us, but from God.  True, unselfish love originates from God’s decision to love you and me so much that He sent His own Son into the world to die for us.

Because God loves me and forgives me all my sins I can love and appreciate Margaret and she can forgive me my many faults.

Much is made of “true love”, the romantic, exhilarating feeling that occurs when we are deeply attracted to someone.  But real true love comes from God’s love to us in Jesus Christ, in His sacrifice for my sins.  This love, this mercy means that I can love someone even in the most trying situations.  His love gives me love that I never thought I could have.

Even in co-ed building projects! Amen!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado