In today's society, everyone has their own definition of love. Whether it be from movies, books, TV shows, YouTube, etc. there are many vast perceptions of love that are held. We often draw expectations of what love is or should be based on things we have seen or ourselves have experienced. We may think of true love as the love a mother has for their child, or a newlywed couple feeling each other's embrace, or the love of a sibling or childhood friend. No matter where we come from, our perception of love is heavily dependent on what we have been exposed to. The problem with this is that no matter what our own interpretation of love is, it will never measure up to the true love standard: The love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Only True Love

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John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. That whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life"

This is probably the most quoted scripture of the bible and for good reason. This is the standard of love that God has set for us. This sacrificial love is the love that we should all strive for in any relationship. Whether it is with our spouse, parents, children, friends, neighbors, or even our enemies, we have been called to love them in this manner. Ephesians 5:2&25 Paul writes "and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her."Matthew 5:43-44* *"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." The verses go on and on.

Real Love is Unconditional

Any love that has conditions is not really love at all. Rather it is actually manipulation. It is stating that in order to deserve my love you first must meet the conditions that I have set forth. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of love in today's society comes with conditions. Even so, we have been called to love as Christ loves which is unconditional.

A very popular slogan that is going around today is "Love Yourself". I have heard a lot of people use this as an excuse to mistreat people. They often remark ,"well i need to put myself first". While there is nothing wrong with loving yourself, it is actually the lowest on the list of priorities that God has set forth. Mark 12:29-31 Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these." In order to find true joy, we must put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. Only then will you experience the JOY that God has intended for you.

It's not going to be easy to love as God does. Our flesh will constantly be battling us as it seeks to put itself first. I encourage you to be more mindful in your daily walk. I encourage you to make it a priority to love others even if they don't deserve it. That coworker who is always talking bad about you behind your back; Love them for the sake of the cross. Your sibling who has brought nothing but pain and heartache to you and your family; Love them for the sake of the cross. That parent who no matter what you do for them, it's never good enough; Love them for the sake of the cross. That friend who betrayed your trust and stabbed you in the back; Love them for the sake of the cross. That classmate that always has to share their opinion on everything and make it about them; Love them for the sake of the cross. The church member that offended you and discouraged you; Love them for the sake of the cross. No matter what the situation, God has made a clear standard for us to follow. True love is unconditional and sacrificial, there is no other love.

Press on

• Jonathan