Search

Love Is

Jennifer
Feb 13, 2017
3 min read

As women, I think many of us desire to display an inner beauty. We recognize the importance of having a beauty from within that radiates outwardly in all aspects of our lives. We want to be women who leave a legacy to our daughters representing that which is positive and good.

I can't help but to see that all of this hinges on love. Love is something we all want to receive and be shown, but it's very often the hardest thing for us to do. Which of us can claim to love perfectly? I find I struggle to do this daily, yet I want to have all that love is.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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”. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

While I want to be the embodiment of love, there is so much here that I struggle with. What do I do when my husband does something that upsets me? Or how do I react when my children do not listen to my instructions? I can promise you that I do not always act in love.

Love is a display, an attitude, and an action. It can be found when we treat others as we would want to be treated, or even better. It is sacrificial. Love means giving of yourself even when it's hard. When my husband doesn't put a tool back in its place and I need to use it, I begin to grumble and maybe stomp around as I search to find it. This is not at all a pretty site, and really is very childish. I can assure you grumbling and stomping are not loving. I find it difficult to stay calm and not become upset. Love would be patient. It would not be easily angered and it does not keep a record of wrongs.

Can any of you relate with me?

What do we do then? The only way to make a change is through constant repetition and action. To become more loving we need to know what love is. You may not be a Christian or read the Bible but 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is a superb definition of love to memorize. Write it down; keep it in front of you. Frame portions of it and hang them in places where you will see them and be reminded of them. Write “Love is Patient” in your planner on one day and then “Love is Kind” the next, and so on and so forth. Start your day reading what love is and be mindful of what you will encounter throughout the day so that you can bring love into action. When you feel yourself becoming unloving, take the time to step away and regroup. Breathe. Remember what love is. Then, radiate love.

Here is a final word of encouragement. If you have everything there is to have in the world, but do not have love, you have nothing. Carry love with you everywhere. Let it be your banner and wave it high for all to see. In a world where tensions are high we need more love displayed!