Have you ever had a moment where you know you absolutely should not say the words that are going through your mind, but somehow they come out anyway? I like to think I am a kind person most of the time, but when I get stressed or upset, I say things to my husband that I don’t intend to say. Rather than using my words lovingly to help us find a solution to a problem, I use them to cause harm.

The worst part is, I would never dream of using unkind words with people I didn’t know as well. These explosive moments tend to happen when I’m around people I care about the most. It’s an awful feeling to realize that you’ve disappointed the people you love. Each time I let my emotions overwhelm my mind, it usually has to do with my own personal issues rather than the other person involved, and then I become frustrated with myself for not being the best version of myself with my friends and family.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand it own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-5

You’ve probably heard these words over and over, especially if you’ve been to any weddings recently. The words embody the kind of love I want to share as I walk through the world. But, I continually fall short.

We all fall short of displaying Christ-like love no matter how hard we might try. We are always going to have moments when our moods overcome our best intentions and we end up regretting our words or actions.

“Indeed we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could control ourselves in every way.” -James 3:9

While we may be made in the image of God, we are not yet perfect. We will always have to work hard in order to show love towards others, and we will still make mistakes. This doesn’t mean we should forget the effect our words have on others. Nor should we stop trying since there is no chance we could ever be perfect.

Romans 12:10 tells us to “Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.” Therefore, we know our aim should be to reflect the love of Christ in the way we interact with others. But, we also shouldn’t be disheartened when we slip up and are short-tempered with our loved ones. 

We will fall short of perfection in our relationships, even when we go into relationships with the best of intentions. But although we make mistakes, trying to model our love, platonic or romantic, after the love of Christ will ultimately lead us closer to Christ.

Our imperfect love is not the only form of love our friends and family receive. It isn’t up to us to supply those around us with an absolutely pure, perfect love because God is the one who provides that love, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot - and should not - take His place in their lives. 

“For He loves us with unfailing love; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.” -Psalm 117:2

Our feelings for loved ones are only a fraction of the love God offers to all, yet that should not discourage us from striving to love others like Jesus loves us. Because even when we inevitably fall short, His love for us is always perfect and never fails.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth is an educator at heart. So far this has taken the form of a camp counselor, a museum assistant, and currently a middle school teacher. She loves to watch people grow and learn. You can read more of her writing at her blog Chronicles of a Southern Belle.