For the past 7 months, I have been praying that Father (being Christ) would show me how to love others the way he loves the church. Matt Chandler had said something in a sermon before I left for Germany this summer- - he said his prayer is that his daughter will meet a man who loves her the way Christ loves the church... and even though I long for that in a man as well, I want to seek to love others in this way as well-- because, we are afterall called to do this as believers.

obviously the whole bible is full of examples of how Christ loves the church-- every word is dripping with his love, sometimes beautiful, sometimes beautiful in the gore and brutality that Christianity sometimes is. Life is full of lessons that teach His love as well-- and daily I am challenged to look at things with His eyes and not my own. However, tonight as I sat reading the words of Psalm 45, I found myself overwhelmed in tears. This is how Father, the author and finisher of our faith loves me? This is how I am called to love?! Me?! I am undeserving. Me?! I am incapable... I sat there, in the midst of many, yet all seemed to disappear. As I read and re-read the words, my heart literally pounded within me, and never before have a felt something so intense. My thoughts being ones of my prayer of asking Christ to show me how to love the way he loves, the answer being poured out right in front of me. My heart is eager to love. I want to convey to people on every level my love for them. I want my family, my boyfriend, my friends to know and feel my love I have for them. I want the source of my love to be Christ... and honestly, I read these words of this Psalm, and i have NO clue how I will be capable, and I have no idea how I will completely die to my fleshly self... but I seek to find out.

I **beg** you to read the pslam below, to dwell on the words and meditate on it. Many times i see that people post bible verses/psalms and i just glance at it and think "oh that's cool..." but if you gain anything or remember anything from this post, let it be this Psalm... Father's words are so much more than my own.

Psalm 45

A Royal Wedding Song

For the choir director: according to "The Lilies." A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song.

My heart is moved by a noble theme
as I recite my verses to the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

You are the most handsome of men;
grace flows from your lips.
Therefore God has blessed you forever.

Mighty warrior, strap your sword at your side.
In your majesty and splendor —
in your splendor ride triumphantly
in the cause of truth, humility, and justice.
May your right hand show your awe-inspiring deeds.

Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies;
the peoples fall under you.
Your throne, God, is forever and ever;
the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of justice.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you,
more than your companions, with the oil of joy.

Myrrh, aloes, and cassia [perfume] all your garments;
from ivory palaces harps bring you joy.
Kings' daughters are among your honored women;
the queen, adorned with gold from Ophir,
stands at your right hand.

Listen, daughter, pay attention and consider:
forget your people and your father's house,
and the king will desire your beauty.
Bow down to him, for he is your lord.
The daughter of Tyre, the wealthy people,
will seek your favor with gifts.

In [her chamber], the royal daughter is all glorious,
her clothing embroidered with gold.
In colorful garments she is led to the king;
after her, the virgins, her companions, are brought to you.
They are led in with gladness and rejoicing;
they enter the king's palace.

Your sons will succeed your ancestors;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
I will cause your name to be remembered for all generations;
therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.