Hey friends, how are you today? How was your weekend? Lately, (from Saturday actually) our weather has been absolutely beautiful, In my neck of the woods.  Although the days before were also beautiful days, from Saturday we have enjoyed bright, beautiful sunshine.  I did not even realize we had been under a canopy of clouds for several weeks until the sun showed its lovely face. How’s the weather in your neck of the woods?

For many of us, love is like the sunshine that I didn’t realize had been absent from our lives.  At one time I thought what existed in my life was true love until Someone showed me, there is more to love, than what the world thinks is acceptable.   

THE CONTRARINESS OF LOVE

Its not hard to love people who love me.  Its not hard to love people who never betray me.  Its not hard to love those who are generous with their time and money.  It’s not hard to love those who put me first.  Does such a person exist? Am I that person to others?

That’s easy ‘love’ because it depends on the other to sustain it.  It is conditional on what the other person does or does not do.  Even parents may display this kind of love to their kids, which is unfortunate.  We decide those who are kept in or discarded from our circle.  They just have to perform according to our standard of love.  

WHAT LOVE IS NOT

For many, love, is dependent on the actions, on the words of others.  We decide whether they are worthy of our love or not, by their actions.  Others are so desperate for just a measure of kindness from people, that they mistakenly associate a smile with love and suffer horrendous consequences because they failed to see the deceit beneath the smile.   Human love is usually dependent on something or someone and thus is unsustainable.

THE BR0KEN LINKS OF OUR LOVE

Most broken relationships began from what most people believed was love at the time.  Parents cast their kids aside because they failed their standard of love.  Kids turn their backs on their parents because they failed to display their love according to the kids’ standard.  Siblings remain divided because the other did or said something unacceptable.  Where is the love now? 

People want to be happy, but they place that happiness on the shoulders of others.  They want to be loved and they allow the actions of others to plead the case for that love.  Love must be so fickle! 

HERE IS MY LOVE

After February 14^th quite a few people will display their engagement rings, I did too more than thirty-two years ago.  To our great God of the universe be all the glory, He truly deserves the glory; we are still together as we get ready to celebrate our thirtieth wedding anniversary later this year.

Left up to me by year seven, with two kids and a job and several responsibilities at church, (yep, I was a Christian then), we probably would have gone our separate ways.  But God had another plan for us.  

A gracious and wise older woman came to my rescue back then.  She handed me a piece of paper and told me to write five reasons why I married my sweetheart.  I could not think of one at the time! She then pointed me to Jesus and the price He paid for my sins. She reminded me of the sacrifices He made along His earthly journey.  She reminded me how He showed His love.  What does true love look like? 

THIS MUST BE LOVE

Jesus humbled Himself.  The Son, who is God, became a Servant Man for me (Phil. 2:6).  Jesus further demonstrated that humility by washing his disciples’ feet, including the feet of His betrayer (John 13:5).  Jesus healed several people throughout his ministry on earth, some who never turned back to say thank You (Luke 17:17).  And… and though He knew before hand they wouldn’t say the words, He still healed them.  Jesus fed thousands of people although He knew some came just for the food (Matthew 14:21). They probably didn’t hear a word of what He said, when He spoke.  And He knew they wouldn’t hear.   Jesus healed the ear of the soldier, who came to take Him to the cross (Luke 22:51).  Jesus forgives me again and again and again, sometimes for same thing. 

WHO IS THE STANDARD FOR LOVE?

Before the very foundation of the World, True Love existed, the standard for love has already been declared.  We do not have the authority to redefine, nor do we have the right to replace the standard of love.  Nor should we accept the world’s measure for love. 

LOVE IS EVIDENT

Now that I know what LOVE is, that’s the only kind of love I should display to others.  Love should no longer be dependent on the actions of others.  Love is no longer tied to their words, though the words may hurt.  Love remains unattached to their performance. Though I may no longer trust them, I will continue to love them, because that is the standard that has been set for me.  Love includes forgiveness though the evidence may say they don’t deserve it.  Love display itself through kindness and compassion.  Love sees people and places their value above things and tasks.  Love loves completely.  How are you at displaying love to others?