Love Is: Loyalty
I know Loyalty isn’t in 1 Corinthians 13, but it is talked about a lot in the Bible & is a quality that l know God values in relationships. Scripture tells us that even if we are faithless, He is faithful. Even if we slip and fall into sin, He remains loyal. Nothing can take our salvation! Scripture says,“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). God IS loyalty
When I think of loyalty I can’t help but think of these classic wedding vows; I,____, take you, ____, to be my husband (or wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.”
I feel like these vows are so clearly about loyalty, which leads me to believe that loyalty has a lot to do with love. When we say, “for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and in health, until death do us part,” we are vowing to stay loyal during all those times. We are vowing UNCONDITIONAL loyalty. We are vowing to show constant support and devotion to our spouse no matter the circumstance. Loyalty brings out emotional stability in relationships. There is no fear in vulnerability when you know your significant other is loyal to the end!
It is kind of funny, but when I think of loyalty I think of dogs. People are always saying “we don’t deserve dogs, they’re so loyal.” It is funny because it’s true, dogs are loyal by nature. Dogs are pack creatures & they are devoted to their leader. They are sad when we leave and jump for joy when we come home. They are “mans best friend,” because of their loyalty and devotion.
True loyalty should never end. Our main loyalty should be to God, but then to others (spouse, family, friends). One of my favorite qualities about my husband is his loyalty. His loyalty to me, his family/friends, our church, and to God. He doesn’t miss an opportunity to be loyal. He doesn’t just show loyalty when it benefits him, he has a “ride or die” type of loyalty.
Opportunity should never control your loyalty. Loyalty creates trust. When we trust we feel safe, and when we feel safe we feel loved. In my opinion loyalty is more than a word, it’s a lifestyle.