“Love is…”

Yeah, love – so much has been written and sung about it! In the 70s there were those cartoons “Love is…” with lots of hearts and in a thousand variations. The faces had the big eyes and the dreamy look on them. Want some examples? “Love is…reading love poems to her.” “Love is…sharing your sandwich with him.” These came in everything from calendars to coasters to bath towels. As a girl, I thought these were so cool! They’re probably only remembered by the older generations.

But also the Bible talks about love, because it is the reason why we humans exist. And it is the foundation upon which we live. What, then, constitutes love? What is it like?

I have compiled a list of different aspects of love:

Love is always compassionate and for you, even if you have just messed up.
Love considers the other more important than themself.
Love always meets you at the same level and never puts themself above you.
Love is considerate and sensitive.
Love is helpful and supportive.
Love is always ready to forgive and does not hold things against you.
Love does not put pressure on you.
Love does not sweep your problems under the rug, but tackles them with wisdom and insight along with you.
Love is endlessly faithful and steadfast.
Love always has time for you.
Love is happy when they see you.
Love is togetherness, moving forward as a team.
Love accepts you as you are and rejoices over you.
Love is complete trust.
Love covers your back whenever you need it.
Love is always for you – in good times and bad.

Can you think of any more? I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few! It is obvious that no human being can love so perfectly.
Every person has experienced love differently in childhood and thus it was learned. Hopefully we have felt the love from our parents. However, parents are also human beings and thus not perfect. They too were shaped by the love in their childhood and in their lives. None of us has ever experienced a truly perfect love from other people.

I have been thinking about which of these aspects of love I can pass on. Unfortunately, I find that my list is much shorter, depending on how I’m feeling at the time. Look at the list: What can you give to your partner or those closest to you, and where are you struggling?

We wish to be loved like the list above! And we also wish to be able to love like that ourselves. But only God can do that and only God gives you this perfect love! He is able, he is willing and he is happy to give you this love!

We have known and believed that God loves us. God is love. Those who live in God’s love live in God, and God lives in them. 1. John 4:16

“Love is…” God, because God is love, isn’t that tremendous? Our job is to come to him and ask him about his great love. Then we will experience and feel that God really gives this love! And it will change us! It fulfills our deepest, greatest desire. And that makes us whole.

When I am quiet and come to God (or to Jesus) in my thoughts, I am welcomed with joy and attention. Always! I never feel burdensome to him, never out of place or unwanted. I feel appreciated and valuable, simply loved in a encompassing way that I have never experienced before.

Knowing, feeling, and receiving his love, you and I also become able to love others better, deeper, and more fully. Let us help and encourage each other to go to God and find His love!