Real Love

Romantic music swells as a dashingly handsome; six foot four man comes barreling through the door. He has defied all odds. He has made his way to his woman! He sweeps her into his arms and carries her down the stairs, out to the courtyard, and onto a horse. He swings up onto his steed, and kisses her with an unyielding passion, and together they ride off into the sunset. 

Great for a novel, but am I the only one who heard a scratched record sound after reading that? I wrote it and I heard it. Listen, romantic music, stunning actors, and steamy foot-popping kisses do not real love make! 

Real love is found in God. He is love, and his character is revealed to us throughout the word as love. 1 Corinthians 13 says this (I paraphrase): 

Love NEVER Gives up! 

Love puts other’s needs before self. 

Love does not look around for the next big thing! 

Love does not have a big ego. 

Love does not have a “me first” attitude. 

Love has a long fuse and is not easily freaked out. 

Love doesn't keep tally of all the times you messed up. 

Love doesn't take joy in other’s pain. 

Love takes pleasure in truth and honesty. 

Love puts up with anything. 

Love ALWAYS trusts God. 

Love always looks for the good in people, in situations, in everything! 

Love never looks back and says, “what if”, but stays on course until the end. 

Love never dies. 

If your relationships do not meet this standard of Love, then there is room for improvement. I have not reached the mark yet. I am still selfish, I still freak out, and I am not there….yet. But talking about love is not enough. Only God’s love, walked out daily in our active faithful walking around life, is enough. 

 

“Real love is this: that a man lay down his life for a friend.” (John 15:13) 

“My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.” (I John 3:18-20 MSG) 

Jude 1:20-21 The Message (MSG) "But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!" 

There is no change in God. He is love. His very character is LOVE! That love is why he made us, why he loved us despite our fallen natures, and why, he redeemed us and called us His own. 

When we truly understand God’s love, we become free. Real love allowed my husband to forgive me. Real love healed our marriage. Real love stays through the hard times. Real love serves. Let the love of God lift you, let God grow your capacity to love. Real love is in action: it is a verb. Real love acts on behalf of its target, and reflects kindness and patience back at its intended. 

Love God because He first loved us, and love your neighbor as yourself: this is all God says is required: LOVE! 

Apply this definition of love to your marriage and watch it grow in richness, intimacy, and emotional satisfaction. These things are the natural bi-products of God’s love and goodness. When we love as He does, our whole life will change for the better. God gave you to one another, so honor Him with your love toward and for one another. 

Be blessed and be a blessing and remember LOVE IS A VERB!