For Joshua and I’s first Valentine’s Day I gifted him with a study bible. He had made a comment about mine and how he loved the study notes that helped you better understand the passages. We both wanted {and still want} faith to play a major role in our relationship. So I thought having the same bible {women and men versions} would only help us. On the inside of the cover I listed out my favorite verses + some for strength, when your stressed out, need an extra push, and  love.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I figured I’d focus on one of the love passages I wrote down for Joshua. Especially because it has so much meaning behind it and Joshua taught me a whole lot about this verse.

“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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 

I know what you’re thinking, “this verse, of course, so typical.” While it is the typical go to verse for love, it has never meant very much to me until Joshua showed me the right way to love {yes this is going to be slightly mushy}.

When I was in 8th grade we had a speaker come into church and talk to us about love and relationships. She told us about writing a list of the traits and attributes she wanted her future husband to have. Most of these were physical traits {blonde hair, blue eyes, tall, muscular but not bodybuilder type} with a couple more meaningful items like a believer in God, wise about his money, an honest person – to name a few. Then she had some red flags listed – strong drinker, not a faithful person – again to name a few. While it was fun to do that and definitely taught me more about what I wanted and didn’t want I think we need to go deeper.

After finding an amazing love and having him show me what true love is, I believe this verse is the list us women should be writing down. These words should be the traits and attributes we want in a man and a husband.

Wants

• patient
• kind
• truthful
• protective
• trusting
• hopeful
• preserves through hard times and struggles

Red Flags 

• envious
• boastful
• overly proud {& boastful}
• self-seeking {selfish}
• easy to anger
• constantly bringing up things you did in the past

This list is powerful, meaningful, and to me what represents a man who is truly in love and has himself together for God and for the woman in his life. What are your thoughts? Have you found a man that fulfills your list and/or this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please comment below y’all! Or email me if you’d prefer: [email protected]