Love is....

Do you know the true definition of the word ‘Love?'

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor 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. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, NIV)

That's Almighty God's definition of this term. The God of the universe. The creator of the entire world. (See Genesis 1 and 2)

Yet, too many people in this world use this particular word too easily, quickly, and flippantly.

I admit it. It really bothers me especially when a supposed Child of God uses this word so casually. For one, I can discern that the person does not even know the true meaning of the term. There is a disconnect between their words and their actions toward other people.

In the book of 1 John, the writer explains more specifically about God's love but also about the love of others (See 1 John 4:7-21).

John encourages everyone to love, because it comes from God (See 1 John 4:7).

However, none of us can truly love Him or others without first receiving that love from Him and others. "We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:17, NIV - emphasis added mine)."

Additionally, people who do not really know God cannot love either. "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8, NIV)."

God is love. Did you get that? God. Is. Love. Therefore...

God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God does not dishonor others, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails. (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a --- Please note the word 'Love' has been replaced with 'God' for the purpose of this lesson.)

This is just a superficial illustration. Hopefully, you have a better understanding though.

All people must first truly and personally know and understand God and His true nature which is only obtained through an intimate relationship with the one, true, and living God. Then, they will have a more personal and deeper understanding of true love---Godly love.

As previously mentioned, only "love comes from God (1 John 4:7, NIV)." So, if you do not personally know Him, you really have no real understanding nor know the magnitude of this particular term. Consequently, you truly cannot and should not ever use this word in your vocabulary.

Otherwise, you are just lying to yourself and others. Most importantly, you are lying before Almighty God---the creator of the whole world including you.

Ask Him to open your spiritual eyes to enlighten you in order to give you a better knowledge and understanding of Him and His true nature. May He truly reveal to you the real meaning of the word 'Love' through a more deep and personal relationship with Him. Then, feel free to use the term 'Love' in the most Godly way possible.

Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.