There's no such thing as a line-item checklist that will help a woman determine if her man loves her. In my relationship with my husband, we frequently hold ourselves accountable to the Biblical definitions of love. We rely on the text of 1st Corinthians 13:4-8, 13 (NIV) to help us identify whether our attitude and behavior toward one another is truly loving.

1) Love is patient

Just like anyone else, I have a tendency to make the same mistakes repeatedly. Although I try to curb my bad habits, I sometimes fall short. My husband demonstrates his love for me by behaving in a patient manner. He knows that I am working on my flaws, and doesn't throw them in my face. That's similar to the next proof of his love, which is kindness.

2) Love is kind

My husband is not vindictive. When we have an argument or disagreement (as all couples at some point will have) he fights fair and doesn't resort to unkindness. He doesn't belittle my character, or make my personality flaws a bigger problem than they truly are. He is patient and kind, and points out practical ways in which I can improve myself.

My husband is kind in other aspects as well. He is thoughtful and courteous, and truly has the attitude of a gentleman. He opens doors for me, offers to help carry in the groceries, and whenever I'm having a bad day, he asks if there is anything he can do to make it better.

Of course, he wouldn't do these things if I were not kind and patient with him as well. In our home, we do not adhere to any feminist notions that a woman has no need of a man. I know I need my man, and do what I can to respect and serve him in a kind and loving manner. I recognize that he is deserving of my respect and obedience, because God has set him up as the leader of our household.

3) Love does not envy

I know that my husband loves me because he does not envy or covet other men's wives. He also does not envy the lifestyle of a single guy. He cherishes and appreciates our family life, and doesn't look to things outside of our marriage to make him complete.

4) Love is not boastful or proud

My husband, though he has many wonderful qualities and abilities that I love (intelligence, decisiveness and musical talent, just to name a few) doesn't pat himself on the back for those things. When we play games together or share our thoughts in conversation, he doesn't try to make himself look superior to me. Even when he is clearly the better of the two of us at something (like playing piano) he doesn't rub it in my face that I'm not as good as he is.

5) Love delights in the truth

As Christians, our marriage is one in which we appreciate spending time reading the Bible and attending church. My husband, as leader of the household, makes sure that we do these things not out of a sense of obligation, but out of sincere joy and delight. He looks for ways to make Biblical principles mean something concrete to us as a couple and as individuals. He is a true leader in our home in this way. That is just one of many ways he loves me.

I could go on for pages about the many ways that my husband loves me in the truest sense of the word. I suppose the most identifiable sign that my man loves me is that I feel secure and safe in our marriage. I know undoubtedly that my husband has my best interests in mind at all times, and would never do anything to hurt me. He is a man of tremendous character, and that's why I married him.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.
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