Today’s Scripture
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, ESV
Today’s Devotion
You might be surprised at what you can learn about commitment and lifelong love from two of America’s First Ladies. Though separated by nearly two hundred years, Abigail Adams and Barbara Bush shared common ground. Both were feisty and outspoken. Both lost a child. Each married a man who later became President (John Adams, George H. W. Bush), and both were mothers of a future president (John Quincy Adams, George W. Bush). And, unsurprisingly, both experienced long stretches of loneliness as their husbands traveled for business and politics.
What you may not know is the deep love and commitment John Adams and George H.W. Bush had for their wives. John and Abigail Adams’ love story is recorded in the many letters written back and forth when they were apart. In 1989, George H. W. Bush told an ABC News interviewer that when he died, he wanted a simple tombstone engraved with his military service number and the quote, “He loved Barbara very much.”[1]
So, it’s no surprise that during their lifetimes, both the Adamses and Bushes held records for the longest-married presidential couples. The Adams celebrated 54 years while the Bushes celebrated 73 years. (President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn beat them both and were married 77 years!)
What did these couples know that many others don’t? It’s interesting to note that both couples were known for their lifelong faith. It’s likely they were familiar with 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (ESV).”
The secret to a lifelong love is not found in power, popularity, or position. It’s found in day-to-day commitment and acts of patience, kindness, and endurance. Make 1 Corinthians 13 the cornerstone of your marriage.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, today’s world suggests that lifelong love is unattainable. We seek the love that only You can provide. Help us to stay committed to each other and to live out the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13 daily. Grant us grace for today. Amen.
[1] George and Barbara Bush: A Love Story. ABC News. April 17, 2019. https://abc7ny.com/george-hw-bush-41-wedding-anniversary-barbara/1684398/. Accessed 12/3/24
