by Frances Meupe

Created on: September 22, 2009   Last Updated: September 25, 2009

There are famous lyrics that herald " love makes the world go round". Perhaps it can best be conveyed by the following: Love is patient, love is 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, 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 preserves. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version). As beautiful as love is, there are people who are afraid to love.

We are all capable of loving and being loved. We love much and we love differently. You may love strawberry short cake and you love your pooch - different loves. You may love your career and you love your car - different loves. You love your significant other and you love your parents, but differently. The love for your friends is different than the love for you country. But it is all love.

What a great gift we have received from the Creator. Love is a gift that we can keep on giving. The more we give of it, the more there is to give. How great the gift when we share our love with each other. Yet many are reluctant to do so because of the fear of rejection and hurt. Many who have not faired well in relationships harbor fears of repeating the past. Lessons should be learned from mistakes. This enables us to move on to new and better experiences.

People fear rejection in relationships. No one wants to be the rejected partner. Rejection makes you feel unwanted and unloved. Break - ups simply mean that two people are incompatible. They are more different than they are alike. Relationships end because one person has decided that he or she no longer wants to share their life with the other. Be thankful when the other person is truthful enough to let you know. There are many miserable people in loveless relationships. They are being lied to and used. Many are just another link in a chain or just another conquest. Thank the person who is honest enough to say that they want to move on and allows you to do the same. It hurts - but can you make someone love you?

People fear getting hurt. There are many challenges in life that can not be overcome. Some people are not able to overcome cancer, paralysis, or terminal illnesses. Hurt is not a sickness or disease. It is an emotion. You can overcome it and go on to love again. When you forgive, it allows you to love again. Share the gift. You will love again ( and maybe again and again). And each time you do - until you find that forever love - "love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on earth" (Mark Twain).

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