LOVE

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “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.” (New International Version [NIV])

This scripture is a beautiful guideline because it gives the blueprint of what love is.

I do have a question or more like questions in relation to this. Have you ever tried to apply it to yourself? Love is patient. Are you patient with yourself? Love is kind. Are you kind to yourself? Love keeps no record of wrong. Do you hold your mistakes over your head?

Anything we can apply to others can be applied to ourselves as well.

On my journey of discovering what love is, I have gotten to understand that I won’t be able to fully love others if I don’t first love myself. In this process, I have had to learn and am still learning what loving myself really means. It might be different or look different for everyone but one thing I do believe is that love is beautiful. When you are able to smile at yourself in the mirror, laugh with yourself, forgive yourself, be kind to yourself; it makes it easier to genuinely show that same love to others.

Love really isn’t selfish. When you love you in the most authentic and honest way, it gives room to love others wholeheartedly. When you know your shortcomings and give yourself grace, it teaches you to do that for others; open the door a little bit wider for them to be seen, understood and ask for help.

Love truly is powerful. Not sure I have the right words or enough words to describe it, but it has such a ripple effect that is mind blowing when you pay close attention. It is a wonderful blessing that I want others to also get to experience, however it has to start in me, so it can flow through me. I for one am grateful to have love in my heart and to be loved.

My biggest lesson about love is this: You can only begin to truly love yourself and then extend that love to others if you understand and believe first and foremost that God loves you more than you could ever imagine, flaws and all. That He accepts you just as you are, sees the depths of your heart, knows your intents more than any human ever could and is always just a call away. Getting to this place of unwavering belief takes time and builds up the more you walk with Him.

Just remember YOU MATTER! So, don’t be afraid to start the journey!

Written by Seddie

Reference

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1973/1978/1984/2011). Biblica, Inc.