So You Think You Have "Fallen in Love"

I've lived a lot of years. A lot! 😉 I have learned some things. I have still yet to learn other things. But, I have come to the conclusion that we don't "fall in love", but that we CHOOSE to love. We choose to love in spite of others actions, or the lack of their actions. We choose to love, because we were first loved by the Father. And He showed us what real love is.

Sound miserable? It's not. Oh, some days I would dispute that. But reality causes me to take a deep breath and look a little closer at what love really is. I do know that beautiful word is used waaaayyyy too many times to describe sexual feelings, comfort feelings, getting what I want feelings, and the all-around-feel-good feelings. The sun is shining, feelings. We're going to the beach (or mountains) awesome feelings.

But, what happens when life throws you a curve? What happens to "love" when trustworthy suddenly becomes irresponsible? What happens to "love" when there is no beach trip because there is no money to fund it? What happens to "love" when the one you "love" has a different point of view and expresses it with a raised voice? Do we still "love"? Or in that moment, do we decide the "love of our life" is not who we want to be with any longer? Oops! Love leaked out somehow. Love has been replaced with anger. Love has been replaced with the pain of harsh words. I just can't believe there to be any long-term relationship without differences that hurt on occasion. Love is a CHOICE!

Just to help us out a bit, Scripture defines love for us. This is how one measures love. We don't "fall in love". If you can go through this list and say with an honest heart, that you pass the love test, then you are indeed a very special person. Almost perfect, ready to be reunited with your Maker, and collect your just reward. Love is a choice, simply because life is unpredictable. For me, the first two out of the gate keeps me grounded, and aware of just how much I still fall short. Patient & kind. At all times.


I Corinthians 13: 4-8a

v.4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
v.5. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
v.6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
v.7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
v8a. Love never fails

The road less traveled is the one that is narrow, with hardship, and must be lived by faith in the One Jesus Christ, who sacrificed everything so we might have an eternity with our Creator, all the while having an understanding of the way of peace and true love, while on this planet. Why is that? Because few will give up the right to control what comes in to their life, and what don't. Many try to enter the love gate by allowing for human effort and all other of the world's religions. It's non-exclusive. These are those who don't believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father of all life. Ah...the truth in the lie of tolerance. Jesus died for ALL, but all don't choose Him.

There is only one way to know what love truly is. And it isn't easy. Love takes denying yourself. And that's a tough one.

As always, here you'll find me...in Mary's World. (It really belongs to God, but he's loaned a portion of it to me). 😉