What puzzled me most was how love is identified in this society. "Hate is a strong word, but people throw out love like it's nothing." True fact. I'm pretty sure the first time a boy told me he loved me I was like 14. In which case, me being vulnerable and naive, I believed him! That was the start of my distorted definition. And then being surrounded by puppy love in high school doesn't help. People are on the love boat before they can even drive! Whoever's passing out these licenses needs a major high five, in the face, with a chair! Seriously. At a young age we're exposed to such an artificial love that the word longer holds the value and meaning it's meant to have. There's a fine line between love, and feelings. I don't think I've ever been in love. You know how I know? It didn't last. I think I've loved, and felt strongly for someone but it wasn't the actual thing. There's love, and then there's imitation love. Sometimes we can completely think we're in love because our feelings are so strong for that person in that moment. But feelings are deceiving things. They come and go like the days that pass us by with no remorse. And sometimes it goes beyond feelings. You can be infatuated to that person, care for them, and your heart is at this super high. Who am I to say that's not love? But see, that's where I was confused. Okay, you feel so strong for someone, then why do so many relationships fade and die and feelings vanish? I thought it was love? And maybe you did love them, but it wasn't the kind of love I'm talking about. In-love. What I'm learning is love goes beyond how you "feel" and the way your stomach turns when you think about that person. Love goes beyond what the tongue can say. Love goes beyond passion and lust. Because love isn't just a feeling. It's an action. Real love, I mean the real thing, is dedication. It's the feelings, that last forever. The attraction, that is still attractive after looks fade. And it's commitment and sacrifice. I learned the hard way to never use that word lightly. Because it's meant for someone truly worthy. The best way to build a true relationship is to just do life with someone. When you can love on just who they are in a friendship, and love their heart, you're on the right track. Because if you jump straight into a passionate, uncontrollable, lustful relationship what do you have to back it up when the passion fades? When you get old and tired, wouldn't it be nice to have someone there that can love your company just because you're you? Don't get me wrong, all that other stuff is exciting and beautiful as it was designed to be by our creator, FOR that ONE person. But there's more to love than just that. And being a believer with Christ alive in my heart, I can take part in an even more incredible story. The only thing that lasts forever is Him, and if He's alive in me and that person, our love can last forever. "If a relationship is centered on God, then that love can't be broken because God can't be broken!" It's worth waiting for that right person. Don't rush love. Great things take time.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
"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 perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4
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