Love can be found any and everywhere… right under your nose if you stop looking at the superficial. Society has us so caught up in the fairy tale version of what love is, that real people no longer know what to look for.
What’s interesting is that despite all the advances in technology and the plethora of information available to us today… the basic needs of man and woman will forever remain the same. Men want to be needed, honored and respected; women desire to be wanted, loved and cared for…that’s how we were created. Where we go wrong is misunderstanding or just not knowing what our love means in a relationship, or even what love truly is for that matter.
But for those of you trying to get a clue, here try this:
First of all, love is more than just a feeling (though it can be a good one); it is selfless giving to meet another’s need and it is more what you give to another, than what you obtain for yourself. Jesus said it so eloquently in Matthew 22:37-40
Love is the pure essence of God, and claiming it is a decision and a commitment to honor Him; and in doing so we allow ourselves to be lead by love when dealing with others. It takes work and some of us just are not willing to work that hard.
For instance, a real man in love is a leader, a selfless servant that a real woman will be willing to follow. He is grounded spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. He takes responsibility for, is accountable to, and has authority over his household/family. At his best he is willing to show love first, the most, fully, unmistakably, in spite of, without bitterness, and as much as he loves self.
A real woman in love will support and honor her man as leader and be a compliment to him. She is also grounded spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. At her best she submits (yes I said it!) to his leadership and helps guide his decision making. She also must have a willingness to encourage, respect, revere, support and admire his efforts.
Love is more than just the game that we see played out on various media outlets; so much more than a heart-filled day of celebration. Yet, it is a simple pledge between two people to honor God in their relation to one another…one that is too often mistaken for something else entirely… so ask yourself…how deep is your love?
Prayer: Father God we call upon you asking that you would keep us in the midst of the pressures we are facing when it comes to love. Temptation is all around us, enticing us, tricking us, and causing us to move outside of your will in an effort to pursue this thing called love. Lord, please forgive us for falling short and failing you in our quest for love that we should seek through you. Draw us nearer to you so that your love can flow through us and make us whole. You are worthy of all the praise and honor, because you are the example of love for each and every one of us. Your unfailing love and devotion is deeper than anything that mere mortals can provide. We pray these and so many other blessings in Jesus’ name, Amen!
