“Love…always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

(1 Corinthians 13:4-13, New International Version)

Lately I’ve been reflecting on Jesus’ pursuit for my heart and His perfect example of love.

We’re connected now more than ever before, however ,we’re terrified of actual connection. At the end of the day, it all comes back to love. A love for Jesus, self, and others.

Jesus loved us so much He abandoned His throne in heaven where He was glorified and worshipped. On earth He was tempted, shunned, abused, ridiculed, and murdered….to save us. He calls us worthy and wonderfully made. We’re called, chosen, and victorious. Most importantly we are fully known and fully loved by God. Believing in the magnitude of who Jesus is means I have to wholly believe who He says I am.

The most perfect example of love doesn’t cause anxiety to grip my throat. It doesn’t disappear for days at a time. Intentions are made known immediately and continually. The pursuit is sweet, allowing my vulnerability to peek around the wall I’ve meticulously built. Perfect love consistently puts my fear at ease with actions. It draws me in slowly, because trusting can be a struggle. This dance of love becomes mutual in respect and commitment. Forgiveness is swift, time is too finite to spend bound up in anger.

My desire is to love others that same way. Whether platonic or romantic, I will show up and allow them to hold space. Grace pours out of me because I remember the times it was a struggle to simply put a smile on my face. I understand that 90 percent of the things people say and do are not a reflection of me, but a projection of something they’re dealing with - when a thing zing’s my heart, I take stock of my own feelings. My edges have been sharp as daggers from the blows life has dealt so I empathize with your brokenness.

With healing comes the ability to identify hurt in others, sometimes drawing you to a person you were never meant to be connected with. Creating expectations and standards for relationships shows the value you possess and the respect you hold for yourself. Jesus’ love and pursuit allowed me to love myself enough to walk away from people. The Holy Spirit refused to leave me alone, essentially shaking me awake reminding me of the promises God’s made and how precious I am to Him. I’ve learned we can only meet someone as far as they’ve met themselves. Some times that means leaving someone exactly where you met them.

In the midst of trials and tribulations, the hope I cling to comes from the love I have for Jesus. Knowing without His love, I am nothing. I persevere because my eyes are set on the cross and the love He showed when He laid down His life for my own. I trust Him because He’s loved me at my darkest. Every single thing He’s done has been because he loves us with an overwhelming, undeserving, promising love. The constant love of Jesus pushes me to exude love when it’s uncomfortable and inconvenient, but also reminds me how sweet love can be.

Thoughts On Love