Love is in the Air

February is often referred to as the month of love – specifically Feb. 14.

This month, in addition to anything else you bought for your special Valentine, I would ask that everyone do something just for yourself – whether or not you are in a relationship.

Take time to truly evaluate yourself and assess if you are a healthy person with healthy boundaries and respect. Do you truly love yourself? Are you proud of whom you are in a non-boastful way?

Then, if you are in a relationship, once you have assessed yourself, then ask yourself how you interact with your significant other.

Do you show patience, love, kindness and compassion? And does your partner have those attributes?

When I spoke recently at a local Indiana Wesleyan University class, one of the students asked for ways to talk about concerns she had with a friend’s unhealthy relationship.

The adjunct professor suggested that the student discuss 1 Corinthians 13 verses 4-7 with the student’s friend, encouraging the friend to replace her abusive boyfriend’s name where the word LOVE is referenced.

For instance, verses 4-7 state: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Now, granted, no one is perfect, but if the person who is in a relationship can’t honestly state that their partner is not usually patient, kind, does not envy, boast, dishonor others or is self-seeking, chances are that person is abusive!

And if you would like additional information or guidance about how to define a healthy relationship please call Hands of Hope’s 24 hour hotline at 765-664-0701