Today is a new day for me, in more ways than one. Not only is the literal meaning true, but there is also newness in my current phase of life. I’m learning to love on another level. The transition officially started back in July when I married my best friend—a very talented artist and graphic designer with a kind heart and Christ-like spirit. Before that point, I was just an only child who tended to focus on myself, valued my space and independence and didn’t really know how to share. Although I was a nice person, I didn’t truly know how to be considerate of others when I wasn’t benefitting in some way.
It seems like just yesterday, my husband and I announced our engagement to family and friends. Now, we’ve been married almost two months, and I couldn’t be happier! Everyday, my husband teaches me about the true meaning of love and how to live in that love. Afterall, it’s something all people desire.
The Definition Of Love
Webster’s Dictionary defines love as a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties, as well as, admiration, benevolence, or common interests. Breaking down that definition, affection is considered the act of having a warm regard for someone. And to have a regard for someone means to be considerate and respect another with a protective interest.
Well, the Bible breaks things down even further and examines the source of love and the qualities that someone who loves would possess.
1 John 4:8 says “God is love.” If God is love and God made people in his image (Genesis 1:26), then He imparts himself in all people. He puts love in us. And in the same way He gave it to us, we are able to give it to others and give it back to Him (1 John 4:19). Thus, showing others a glimpse of God.
Then 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 takes a closer look at what you’ll find when you take a closer look at what love is synonymous with.
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, it is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, it is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
The Greatest Gift
God called love the greatest gift, and I think it’s because it’s something we’re all looking for. And now that I have truly experienced it, I know it is. I think I’m safe to say that no one wants to be the recipient of unkindness. No one wants to be aggravated, made angry, or be a witness to rudeness and selfishness. No one wants to encourage a liar or be incapable of bearing, enduring, or believing. And no one wants to feel like they’ve failed.
Living in love can be difficult at times, but it’s so rewarding. Just try it and see.
