by Christina Noll

Created on: August 20, 2009   Last Updated: September 01, 2009

Love is a term used very loosely in today's society, but what really is love? According to the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13, love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Nor does love delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love is truly the best blessing that one can receive and from birth love is what a child seeks out. Even as an infant love is something a child inherently hopes to receive from their parents through a gentle touch or a soft hum. Love is beautiful, but far too many people shield their hearts because of past pain. This is sad because past trials and tribulations build character and strength within us. And this character building is a necessary part to the growth process. This growth teaches us how to love because it teaches us perseverance, patience, and hope which all fall under the umbrella of love. It can also teach us understanding which allows us to empathize with others and their problems. We are much less inclined to judge when we understand what another is going through and instead we can lend a helping hand or an attentive ear.

God's love is free and unconditional, but in order to receive that love one must open their heart. One must be open to love in order to receive love and that includes self-love and that is truly what Jesus was trying to convey when He said, "You should love your neighbor as yourself". You first have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. Jesus meant for all of us to be disciples and to go out to all the lost sheep and spread the word. Sadly, many are afraid while others are judgmental and those negatives negate love and in turn negate the Commandment of loving your neighbor as yourself. If you are spreading hatred then maybe you should take a look at yourself, you may not love yourself. Self-love is the same as love. You can't be wallowing in pity parties or hiding in fear and expect love.

Jesus understood the law of love and how powerful it is. Once you open your heart to God's endless flow of love you will want to share. And God will keep filling you up with more until you are brimming over and sharing with everyone you meet. Most of the people that are experiencing the most love in their lives are the ones that give away their love freely to others. They are

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>