Dictionary.com describes love as
–noun
1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
3. sexual passion or desire.
–verb (used with object)
15. to have love or affection for: All her pupils love her.
16. to have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for (another person).
17. to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in: to love music.
Love is all of these but more.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist of it's own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
When I think about what I love 1,000 plus things, people, places, feelings, and more come to mind. But why? What makes me have these feelings for them? I am reminded that "we love because He first loved us!" 1 John 4:19 God loved me before I was in my Mother's womb! He loved me so much that he sent His ONE AND ONLY SON to die upon a cross (the most horrific death) for my sins (the sins I hadn't yet committed)! WOW! If only I could love like this!
The lesson I have learned is two fold.
1. I don't have the ability to love if I am not willing to be loved. Being loved starts with accepting the love of God and understanding that I will never deserve it but that it was a gift. Realizing that no matter how hard I try I will never be worthy of the love of God. I must accept that he loves me for me, nothing more and nothing less.
2. if I want to truly love people I have to give unconditional love (God's love). Love that does not come FROM me but THROUGH me. Learning to love when I am not loved back, when the person is gross, annoying, smelly, doesn't speak my language, fat, doesn't have the same interests as me, doesn't love Jesus, sick, hungry, broken, lost, hopeless... (insert your own reason why you chose not to love someone). When I wonder how to love these people I look to the perfect example my Savior has given me, and that is to LAY DOWN MY LIFE! Give up my wants, dreams, desires, reputation, money, time, pride.. whatever it might be. I am not perfect at this but I am working hard and constantly convicted of who I didn't love enough each day.
Things I love.. in a random order :)
1. Hammocks
2. Friends
3. Family
4. Children
5. Sports
6. My Maker
7. Roommates
8. Bible Study
9. Snickers
10. Popcorn
This post is dedicated to my lovely friend Leeann. I am so thankful that God put her in my life and although she is crazy she has one of the sweetest hearts God created! Love you Buddy :)
