Introduction
In this message, I share my journey of discovering real love and how it significantly impacts our lives, relationships, and understanding of God. Our exploration begins with recognizing the profound truth that where there is real love, there is life. Over the past two months, I have immersed myself in the scriptures about love, which reveal that the essence of our existence is about love. This realization leads us to examine the ways we understand and experience love, both in our relationships and with God.
Main Points
The Bible Provides Clear Instructions About
The Bible provides clear instructions about love, emphasizing its primacy in our lives. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).
- This command serves as the foundation for our existence and relationships.
- If love is paramount, it calls for our continuous study and understanding.
- My own experiences show that embracing real love profoundly influences our relationships; it has the potential to change marriages, friendships, and even communities.
- As I reflected on my past, I realized I carried a skewed perception of love, shaped by early childhood trauma and experiences of fear and shame.
Each Interaction Filled With Expectation Transformed
Each interaction filled with expectation transformed into pain when those expectations were not met. This realization led me to understand that I had to confront these warped views.
- Through this revelation, God encouraged me to let my pain guide me deeper into His perfect love, which is healing and freeing.
- We are challenged to identify our misconceptions of love so we can move toward the truth of God’s love.
- When I surveyed many individuals about what hinders them from expressing love, the overwhelming response was the fear of rejection.
- This fear is a significant barrier to experiencing and sharing God’s love.
It Serves As A Tool For
It serves as a tool for the enemy, keeping us from fully engaging with others. Understanding that fear originates from the devil allows us to combat it with God’s love, which is perfect and casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Before we can truly grasp what real love is, we must distinguish it from warped human love. Often, human love is conditional and tied to emotional convenience, characterized by expectations that lead to disappointment. For instance, we might feel neglected when a friend fails to greet us warmly due to their own circumstances, wrongly interpreting their actions as a personal affront. It’s vital to recognize when we slip into conditional love, which is reliant on others' behavior rather than an unconditional love that serves without strings attached.
Real Love Invites Us To Make
Real love invites us to make a choice, to love selflessly, giving without expecting anything in return. This attitude not only liberates us from the weight of expectations but also allows our hearts to be filled with gratitude when love is reciprocated. By cultivating selfless love, we become less susceptible to disappointment, knowing that our responsibility lies in how we choose to love rather than how others respond. In doing so, we emulate the love of Christ, which was a self-giving sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2). God invites us to find healing and wholeness through His perfect love. When we encounter our pain, we should allow it to drive us deeper into an understanding of God’s love.
Rather Than Running From Our Struggles
Rather than running from our struggles, we can embrace them so that His love can transform our wounds. God’s love not only heals but empowers us to be the wives, mothers, and friends He calls us to be. In this space of vulnerability and authenticity, relationships flourish as we extend the same grace we receive from Him.
Conclusion
In summary, my journey of understanding real love has reshaped my life and my relationships. By recognizing love’s central role in our existence and identifying the barriers we face, we can align ourselves with the truth of God’s love. As we let go of unrealistic expectations, trusting in God's perfect love, we will experience the freedom to love selflessly. This love not only enriches our lives but also draws others to the heart of God, allowing us to walk confidently in the abundant life He has promised.