Love is ...

"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 records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I just spent a week at church camp and it sure has been an eye opener. I learned a lot about myself and others. One thing that was a hot topic for me last week is what exactly is love? This week at camp I learned that love is an overused word that society is sucking the meaning out of. As Christians we should be more careful of how we use the word love and what we think it is that way when we do use it, it remains a powerful word. That information vaguely answers the real question though, what is love?  Luckily for us, as Christians, we are provided a really cool book that can answer that exact question for us in 1 Corinthians. Reading these verses all together can be overwhelming so I'm just gonna break it down for a better understanding.

1. Love is Patient
If you have ever been in a relationship you understand how irritating it can be when something doesn't go your way or someone just doesn't listen to you. Your first instinct would be to cause a scene and let them know harshly what they're doing wrong. That isn't patience. Love is patient, meaning that you have all the patience in the world for someone you love. If they mess up, or irritate you even the slightest bit you have to be patient with them and talk to them. Explain what is bothering you in a sensitive way, work together to resolve issues.

2. Love is Kind
What does the word kind mean to you? To me being kind means that you are nice, helpful, and encouraging. That should be incorporated into relationships. You should be nice even if they're being mean. Helpful when they have problems. Encouraging when they feel their world falling to pieces. Being kind is such an important part of showing love. Love doesn't exist without kindness.

3. Love is not Jealous
Jealousy comes from greed and selfishness. You can't get jealous of someone you love, it's wrong. When something goes the way they want you should be by their side encouraging them and showing them how happy you are for them. Supporting each others accomplishments even if you feel unaccomplished is a way of showing love. Jealousy is one of the quickest ways to start problems between two people.

4. Love does not Brag and it is not Arrogant
Do you ever get in an argument and say "Look at all I have done for you and you treat me that way?" That comment is bragging and shows arrogance. Love does not have that. Love is appreciating what one does for you and enjoying doing things for each other without expecting anything in return. Don't pride yourself on being better than the other person, you're equals. Do not brag. Do not be arrogant.

5. Love doesn't Dishonor Others
Love has good manners. Love is courteous and polite. Love is never rude. This basically ties into love being kind. Love does nothing to dishonor each other.

6. Love is not Self-Seeking
Two people should be equal in a relationship. If you love each other then you should be looking out for each other, not doing things that only benefit one person. Equality is key.

7. Love is not Provoked
Love is not touchy, but is understanding. You shouldn't be easily angered. Having a good temper with each other will help you in the long run. Love is having a level head and figuring things out together.

8. Love does not Keep Records of Wrong Doings
Love forgives. You can't hold grudges with each other. If someone messes up, apologize, work things out, and move forward. You can never move on and be happy if you're continuously bringing up the past.

9. Love does not Rejoice in Unrighteousness, but Rejoices with Truth
Love doesn't encourage wrong doings. If you're in a relationship with someone who encourages you to drink, party, have premarital sex, lie, cheat, etc. If someone you love is encouraging you to do anything similar to those things or anything ungodly then they don't really love you. If they pressure you into doing things that you know are wrong, walk away.

10. Love Protects
If you love someone you will do anything to protect them. You'd take a bullet for someone you truly love. If you absolutely love someone they come second always. (God comes first.)

11. Love Trusts
Listen to what the other person has to say, and don't second guess them. If they love you then I promise they are telling the truth, if they lie to you then they aren't the one. Trust is SO important. If you can't trust someone, you don't really love them.

12. Love Hopes
Love is not pessimistic. Love is going into a relationship hoping that the best will happen. If you have a hopeful love, anything can happen. Hope means happiness and that's important when it comes to love.

13. Love Perseveres
If something doesn't go as planned, hang in there! Love is never giving up, always striving for the best outcome of any situation. If they aren't ready to accept your flaws and work past them, they aren't hoping for a future with you, and they don't love you. If y'all stumble upon a problem and they don't want to work through it, they're giving up, and they don't love you. Love never gives up.

All of these are ways that Jesus loves us. We are all supposed to strive to be Christ-Like in all aspects of our lives, this is one way to do it. Nothing can separate us from His love, so if you love someone, nothing should be able to separate y'all from each other. Love is a hard thing for society to figure out these days, but it's all there in black and white. Right in the bible which is just one big love story. If you can't do all thirteen things (I'm not saying flawlessly, but if you can't do them at all) you don't love like you thought you did. Love is a serious and powerful thing. Always keep that in mind. If you're going to love, love like He loved us.

XOXO,
Kirby Madyson