“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) Wait, where’s the verse where it says, “love falls”? Falls? Love is not an emotion that one “falls” into. Lust is. Infatuation is. Desire is. But, love? Nope, not how that works. In today’s culture love not only is something that people believe that fall into, but many think it love can not be controlled. Love is a choice. You choose to bear, to believe, to hope, to endure…or, you don’t.
The answer is that people don’t love each other as the Bible defines love. People are infatuated with, desire, or lust, but, not love. Why do so many marriages fail? Because as the infatuation wears off, or lust changes from one person to another, there is no substance.
Love is selflessness. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says (in part), “[love] does not insist on its own way”. Differing to the needs of others shows your love for them. 2 Thessalonians 1:3b advises us to make sure that “the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” In marriage, family, the church- wherever. Let your love be made known for the souls of all. How is your love increasing?
I am, and hope to always be, amazed at the love my God has for me. Out of all the people in this world, despite all the sins I have committed and will commit, He died for me. He did not insist on staying in Heaven but put Himself through torture for 33 years- for me. How can I choose anything but love in return? How can I ignore that much love?
The commercials about battered animals with that sad music are touching, even tear pulling. Why? Because, the animal doesn’t deserve the cruelty. The pictures are of cute and fluffy critters because they look the most innocent and …lovable. And as we look at them we are made to think, “how could anyone not love them?” So it is with our God. He is completely innocent and was tortured for us. Let that tear roll down your cheek. Innocent and blameless, He is even love incarnate- He died for you. So I choose to be His child. And, I choose to love Him.
