What is real love?
Imagine sitting at a dinner table with someone you love and being reminded of a forgotten anniversary or something unsaid between you. As we draw near to that special Day in February dedicated to love and friendship, it's hard to ignore the broken relationships around us. Isn’t it a good time to take stock and consider what true love really is?
The best definition of love I have ever seen is the one often used in marriage ceremonies: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (I Corinthians 13)
When we read those words, what does that make us think? Do we experience love like that? Would we like to? Is it even possible? And do those words make us realise how much better we could be at loving others? I know they do for me!
Sadly, we live in a culture that encourages us to see love as something we get from what we own (our things) or from what we experience (holidays, bucket lists, etc.). Nothing wrong with these. But real ‘not self-seeking’ love is far more; it is love that is heavenly sourced.
So what can be done? First, ask yourself, what am I missing? The love described in the Bible passage above is so wonderful. Just imagine how it feels to be loved like that. Then ask yourself, where can I find love like this? If you look for it in others, you are bound to be disappointed. But God wants you to know love like this, that is why he sent his son into this world. Jesus demonstrated a sacrificial love like no other.
Can I encourage you to be curious, to find out more about the greatest love the world has ever known. To explore the Bible accounts of who Jesus is, why he sacrificed himself for you, and how he rose and is alive today. His life can change yours. Find out more at www.lifeofhope.online
