24 years and still counting.

Colossians 3:14

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

My parents celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary today. In a way, it's nothing much. Well, at least for me who grew up seeing my mom cook "pancit" or "spaghetti" while my dad drink all day to celebrate the occasion. It's like they're used letting "this" day pass by like any other given day. But looking beyond that, it's still 24 years of commitment. And that is something only God can give.

Many relationships today fail because of this missing piece. Though love for each other is essential for a relationship to blossom. It is the love for God that makes a commitment unbreakable. When God becomes the center of your life and your relationship, you can't do anything wrong. This is true, because by submitting yourselves to God first, He will guide you in your decisions and steer your emotions all throughout the relationship. Of course, this does not mean you'll not argue over things or go through trials. But if you do, you'll have confidence facing them because you know that God is with you.

But in our culture today, this part is, more often than not, overlooked or ignored. What seems more important these days is the "heat of the moment" rather than knowing what will "keep the fire going" in a relationship. Instead of seeking for God's love and blessing to fuel the "fire" of the relationship, people just tend to consume the relationship while everything is "heated". This in turn, leads to coldness.

Colossians 3:18 challenges us to put love above of any other thing. Not just any kind of love, but God's love as top priority in our lives. Once we do, our relationship with others and with God himself will definitely be in perfect harmony.

Reflect on this: Do you put God's love above everything else in your life? How does God help you put your love for others in perspective?

Prayer: Oh loving Father, you have given me the opportunity to love You and to love other people. For this, I give thanks. Lord, let what was said in Colossians 3:18 be my encouragement in life. Let me put Your love, Oh Lord, above anything else so that everything may be in perfect harmony.

Fill me with your abundant love, My God. Let what overflows from my heart be given to those who are around me. For you are truly gracious and compassionate. Praise be to you. Amen.