21 Days to a Victorious LifeSample

Day 19– How do you recognize true love?

How do you recognize real true love? After being deceived by artificial love, it finally dawned on me. Love is gentle. Love is kind. Love is patient and
love is not easily provoked. Love doesn’t seek to hurt, refer to 1 Corinthians 13. I would add, real love uplifts, protects, compliments, and seeks the
best no matter what. Love is not perfect, but love is forgiving, love is not always agreeable, but when you truly love, you are always willing to work it
out. More importantly, love is more than lust and doesn’t change because of feelings, “True love” loves no matter what!

Real love recognizes real love

Many times people find themselves in relationships that do not demonstrate true love. Whether it is an abusive, ungodly, or hurtful relationship, we have
to recognize that this is not of God. Since God is love, our relationships should reflect God’s love through its acts of kindness, loving and supportive
thoughts, and kind actions. For God loved us so much, He allowed His only begotten son to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. Although there is no
love like the love of God, we should not have to question true love here on earth.

You first must love Him

No relationship can survive without God as the foundation. Yes, it may appear to work for a while, but it will never stand the test of time. Before you can
truly love another, you must first fall in love with God. It is through His love that you are able to love one another, and are capable of being loved.
Falling in love with God requires spending time with Him, just as any relationship requires. We have to first get to know God, so that we can understand
His will and desire for our lives.

Understanding this concept, I began to seek God each and every day of my life and as a result, fell in love with my creator. I took an hour of my day to
just spend time with Him and hear from Him. This small exercise has given me peace, clarity, and the ability to demonstrate His love through acts of
kindness and selflessness. More importantly, it has resulted in a relationship with God that is truly invaluable.

Real relationships aren’t questionable

See, love shouldn’t have to be questioned. Real love does not leave doubt in your mind. So my question for you is do you love to be unloved?

If you find yourself running from true relationships to “counterfeit ones,” ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart and mind to be able to receive true
love from rightful relationships God has already ordained. Also, ask the Holy Spirit to help you fall in love with yourself. When you truly love yourself,
you will also attract real love and remove yourself from relationships that are not of love. Remember, God is love and He wants nothing more for you than
real love here on earth!