The Love Everybody WantsSample

“Real Love”

What is love? Is it just a feeling or is it attraction? Chemistry and passion? Is it rewards based? What if love wasn’t built on other people’s approval or acceptance. What if it wasn’t based on Hollywood movies and the filters and often false realities of social media? If we base our definition of love on an ever-changing culture, we’re going to stay confused. If we use our own emotions as a standard for love, they will continue to fail us. We will never feel the security we crave if we try to build it on the quicksand of today’s version of love.

Why do we settle for a knockoff version of love? Is it because it’s easier? Doesn’t cost as much? Doesn’t take as much time to obtain? For many of us, we have settled for a less-than version of what we could have. But we don’t need more of what we have been settling for; we need something that will last.

There are a lot of other “loves” that will try to steal your heart and attention and deceive you into thinking that it will satisfy you. But there is only one love that will light up your life, change your whole world, meet your greatest desires, last forever, and never fail you. I want you to experience the love of God, because only in that relationship will you find all the answers you’ve been looking for and fulfill all the longings you’ve been living with.

The love that comes from God is greater than any love we could ever try to find apart from Him. Just think about 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient and kind? Love is selfless and others focused? Love isn’t reactive or resentful? Love trusts, protects, and hopes? I hate to break it to you, but that kind of love is bigger than you and me! And that kind of love is greater than what we can give on our own.

That’s why figuring out where you stand with God matters so much when it comes to loving others. Cultivating a connection with him is what sets you up to be successful in healthy relationships. Getting to know His character by reading His words and spending time with people who know Him well help you become more Christlike and, as a result, more loving.

Reflect: How have you been settling for a knockoff version of love?

Challenge: In 1 Corinthians 13, replace “love” with “Jesus” and read it all the way through. And since you and I are called to look like Jesus and be like Jesus, read it through one more time and replace “love” this time with your name. That is our call to love.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing me your love through dying on the cross for my sins. You love me even when I don’t deserve it. Give me the strength to resist settling for a knockoff love and the wisdom to receive the love you have for me in fullness. In Jesus’s name, amen.