WHAT LOVE REALLY MEANS.
Moving Beyond Romantic Clichés
When we talk about love, many view it primarily from a romantic perspective. However, love is much more than that.
Love is more than just attraction or short-lived desire; it goes beyond roses and romantic dates. True love isn’t the infatuation you feel for someone you are attracted to
Love is the unconditional affection a person has for you; that deep affection that remains even when the lovable traits about you fade away— traits like beauty, charm, money, abilities, influence, popularity, etc.
Sometimes, love manifests as the kindness people show you when there’s nothing they can gain in return.
Here are a few examples of love in action:
Love is the fidelity of the husband who continues to have eyes only for his wife, even as cancer ravages her body, or the loyalty of the wife who stays devoted to her husband even after a stroke leaves him paralyzed.
It is the sacrifice of a father who juggles multiple jobs for years to ensure his children receive an education, or a mother who empties her life savings to care for her sick child.
Love is the persistence of parents who never cease praying for and loving their children, even if they go astray. It’s also the thoughtful discipline that saves a child from evil tendencies.
Love is the unwavering support of family and friends who stand by you through both good and bad times, and who continue to believe in you, even when you may have lost faith in yourself.
Love is found in the kindness of those who create orphanages for homeless children, pay the school fees of those not their own, visit the sick or help cover their hospital bills, or settle the debts of those imprisoned by creditors.
It's the reason for the efforts of those who genuinely strive to improve the lives of others, whether through a business, a non-governmental organization, or charitable acts.
Love is the earnest and relentless hope of the father who keeps praying and waiting for the prodigal child to repent and return home.
Above all, the greatest act of love is the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of God, who bled and died for us to save us from the bondage, suffering, and eternal punishment of sin, so we can have eternal life.
* And love is never more beautifully expressed than when you and I tell others of the gospel of God’s salvation.
Have you responded to that love? If you haven’t, you can do so today by believing Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and by inviting Him into your heart and declaring Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Commit your life to knowing and following Jesus, because it’s only through Him we understand what love is and receive the ability to love as we should.
***
Here are 4 powerful ways you can love others, today:
1. Preach: Think of those you can share the gospel of God’s salvation with. (This article shows how to do that: A Simple Way To Share The Gospel: https://adebayodipo.medium.com/a-simple-way-to-share-the-gospel-c8f93c0070d2
2. Appreciate: If you have someone who loves you, unconditionally, please take some time to appreciate and pray for that person.
3. Show: Think of ways you can more regularly show your loved ones how deeply you care about them.
4. Support: Think of a charitable organization you can support, either by volunteering or financially supporting.
These 4 thoughts form the words: P.A.S.S. Today, PASS on God’s love to others.
I recently saw a deeply moving story on love in The Word For Today devotional and thought to share it with you. Check it out here:
A Father’s Heartbreaking Love Letter to His Sick Daughter: https://adebayodipo.medium.com/a-fathers-unconditional-love-for-his-sick-daughter-8ea35d8fd515
If you'd like more articles on love, check these out:
The Tragic Story of Valentine:
7 Powerful Lessons From One of My Favorite Love Stories.
If you enjoyed this article, I’d appreciate it if you shared it with others. Thanks a lot.
