On Loveናሙና

True Love

There is a lot said about true love. The world desires affection. We long to adore and to be adored. However, true love is not merely about emotion; it requires action. It is about making decisions that benefit others. Love is a choice.

The apostle Paul says that true love is patient. Patience is a choice we make to engage in love when circumstances irritate us. Love is kind. We choose kindness in treating others as we would like to be treated.

First Corinthians 13 says that love is not selfish or quick-tempered. It does not keep records of wrongs nor rejoices in unrighteousness. There are times that love may cause pain, but it is a pain that is worthy because love is what brings meaning to everything we do.  Anything we do outside of love does not matter or last. It is fleeting. Everything we do in love brings lasting benefit.

The only way we can participate in true love is to contribute to it. We contribute by choosing to practice attributes such as patience and kindness with others. Love is lived out intentionally.

We cannot exercise true love with an inward focus. The great paradox is that we experience a life that dies to self. When we set aside selfish desires to love others, then we are most fulfilled.

Let us examine our actions. We should ask ourselves whether our interactions with others are for our benefit or prestige. When we interact with family members, such as our children or spouse, are we seeking their best or appeasing them to minimize our discomfort? Are we avoiding awkwardness with our closest friendships? Or, are we being intentional about elevating our friends’ well-being? Study 1st Corinthians 13:4–13 to see if there are areas in your life where you can show greater love others.

To gain great profit from loving others, an excellent investment in those relationships is required. The greatest investment are actions of true love.