Love has existed way before the foundations of the earth, before God carefully knitted you together, before the sun and the moon, even before the mountains were lifted and the ocean spread out so vast. Love exists in eternity but is experienced in time. Love is the very character and nature of our heavenly Father but can be shared among ourselves in thoughts and deeds. The true essence of love is unconditional. Love cannot be fully explained. It is the most inexpensive gift, but the most valuable thing you can give or receive.
What is this love? The simplicity but undeniable dynamic of love is what makes it unique, while still holding its ability to avail itself to all. Love IS GOD, and GOD is love. Your existence is because of love, your purpose is because of love, your talents and abilities are because of love. God is love, and He loves you!
Love Defined
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Amplified Bible (AMP) “ Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].
This scripture has been by far one of the most gruelling tasks in my Christian walk. How practical is this? It is not like you can just read it and with the snap of your fingers, it becomes a reality. How can I do all this and effectively?
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. – 1 John 4:9-11
The Word says in the book of John (which I believe to be the biggest demonstration of love) that God, sent his ONLY son to us in the form of a man. While holding to his Godly character and nature, He became sin, overcame death and the grave for our redemption into an everlasting life. Our Christian walk is built on this love. When God is the center, love becomes the center.
Uncovering the Truth of What Love Is
I’ve had this ideology and mental picture since I came to the Lord. It really is a depiction of how I see my relationship with HIM, It looks like a Father and His child holding hands and walking. They are on this journey. A journey to destiny! A journey to eternity!
Love is not easy some experience difficulties on either side of the stick – the giving or receiving. In this love journey, you’re not alone. God is with you!
The world teaches love is an emotion, it is a compromise, is giving or receiving expensive gifts and wait for it… sex. Media has used luring marketing strategies to paint this picture of how love, looks, feels and is packaged. When in fact, that is not even close to the meaning of true love. Get this, Love is not an emotion, nor is it expensive gifts, it is not even sex. Love is a promise from God. Love was purposed to exist in the paradigm of the unconditional. It goes beyond our preferences, desires and needs to feel wanted.
God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son. ~ Jerry Bridges
Sixty-six books, hundreds of scriptures and thousands of words later, each oozing of his love for you. The Bible is THE GREATEST LOVE STORY ever written. This is the foundation for LOVE; this is the foundation for love whether you’re single, engaged or married.
Love Engaged
I’m recently engaged, and amidst all the ‘wedding planning’ and events leading up to my big day, I am reminded of the foundation for my relationship not just with my husband to be but with everyone. Love is the final authority. Now that is easier said than done. Nobody said love would be easy, but it is possible!
Even as I venture into all my big plans and ‘what nots’ I am encouraged not to lose sight of loving those around me. Love is an action, it is hard work and takes real dedication and discipline. I encourage you as much as I am admonishing myself to put LOVE in ACTION. I am ENGAGING LOVE!
