Learning To Love
1Cor. 13:4 - 'Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does
not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not
seek its own'
Searching for love these days can get you hurt. People are crazier than ever before and they don't know how to love or be loved most of the times. You can really love someone and be taken for granted or be kicked to the curb, or you can choose to not love and be lonely and bitter.
Love is one of those things that you have to give in to if you ever expect to be happy in this life. But we must first understand that love is of God and it's a fruit of his Spirit. So, if you are "of" God, then you should love for real! Be patient with the ones you love. Don't abuse them or expect them to be perfect. Always look at yourself and your own shortcomings when you are loving someone. That way, you can always understand that we make mistakes, but true love understands and is not short tempered.
The greatest love of all is laying down your life for someone. This is the love of God. To put yourself aside and to give to others. In a relationship, a friendship, or just a good brotherly love, you have to practice forsaking yourself for others.
Real love will cause you to not say certain things that you know will offend the ones you love. Real love will cause you to ask instead of command.
Real love will cause you to be concerned instead of judgmental.
Real love puts your own needs aside for the needs of others.
God loved us so much that he put heaven on hold, sent his son to die for us. He gave his very life for us and showed us why he is love! And that's the attitude we must have towards the people we say we love. It can't always be about you, but real love will cause you to focus on the needs of others.
If you are a Christian, then act like one and love for real. Real love will always show up in your actions and if you have love for someone, you will always treat them as good as yourself. That's real love!
Suggested Reading: John 15:13, Titus 3:4, Eph. 3:17, 1John 4:7, 1John 4:12
