WHAT IS LOVE?

By the world's standards and definition LOVE is a feeling. When you are in love with a person it releases certain endorphins in the body and causes feelings of euphoria. You are so high on this surge of emotion that this other person evokes that the word love is often equated to that feeling.

To me love is a choice, it isn't just a feeling of euphoria. I think that you choose to love a person in spite of who they are. Think about it... None of us walking this earth are perfect. We all have faults, some more prevalent than others, but we ALL have flaws. There is someone out there who loves us despite the imperfections that we see in ourselves. You all have spouses, significant others, children, friends, family members that love you in spite of who you are.

I think that love is not selfish. Love makes each and every one of us put our best foot forward. Love makes you want to do anything to please that person. Love doesn't seek out it's own selfish gain. You don't think in the back of your mind, what am I going to get out of loving this person? You give your heart to someone because you choose to.

Love is still love even when there may be dissension between a couple. When the feeling of anger replaces the bliss of love for the time being does that mean you love eachother any less? No it doesn't, simply because love isn't just a feeling. Feelings can change with as easily as the wind blows. Our feelings can lead us astray. Love is a choice, it's an action, it's something that is always evolving and growing.

Love is giving, love is kind, it's gentle and sweet, love is patient, love doesn't hurt. I think our one true example of love being all these things is the love that God showed us when He came down from glory, removed Himself from His throne, clothed himself in flesh to be our sacrifice so that we may have life everlasting. Can you imagine growing up your whole life knowing the death that you would have to die for people who didn't even like you, for people who didn't just not like you but were your enemy? Mothers, can you imagine giving your only child up for the sake of a bunch of undeserving strangers who didn't even know your child? How much can someone love another if they are willing to sacrifice their one and only son. That is called AGAPE love, that is the ultimate kind of love.

Each and every day I try to love with that kind of love. I love unselfishly, not expecting anything in return. I give wholeheartedly, I try to live according the Word that says love is quick to listen and slow to anger. I try to love with a love that doesn't have conditions. I don't judge and I love in spite one's imperfections. I love with my mind and not just my heart. So when I think about what is love? I think that love is kind and sweet, simple and complex, strong, dynamic, overpowering, all encompassing, easy and of free will.

So my word tonight for all those out there who aren't sure what love is I suggest you study the bible on love and you'll see real love in action from genesis to revelation.

Peace & Blessings