6 Things You Should Know About Real Love
Photo by Jon Tyson
Is real love even a thing anymore? In our hook-up, noncommittal culture, is it out there in our city, and will we find it? What does real love even look like?
We’re asking these questions too, and here’s what we’re learning:
1. Real Love doesn’t shame or humiliate you.
Shame says hide. It says you’re not good enough. Shame belittles. It points out your shortcomings and focuses on everything you’re not.
Real love invites you to be naked — to be fully seen without wanting to cover up.
This is the type of love God created us to experience. Having no clothes is a minor aspect of nakedness. Baring all, with no need to conceal our feelings, desires, and thoughts before each other and God is how it’s meant to be.
Real love says I’ll take your wrongdoing and remorse, and as far as sunrise is from sunset - I’ll separate that sin from you. I’ll remove it all.
2. Real Love doesn’t condemn you.
Being criticized cuts to our core — especially when we pour scorn on ourselves.
Real love doesn’t undermine you — it’s for you.
When others find fault, Jesus says, “I don’t condemn you.” He knows he can give us a better life. His heart is to offer us the very best.
3. Real Love doesn’t reject you for bad choices.
To some extent, we’re all defined by our decisions (read our January articles on how to make great decisions) or circumstances. How many labels have you put on yourself?
Yet, Jesus says when we turn to him we discover a love that doesn’t keep an account of what we’ve done wrong. Instead, the past is forgotten, and everything is new.
4. Real Love accepts who you are, how you look, and the unique way you’re wired.
Although our city praises nonconformity, the reality is that certain body types, even certain personalities, are sought more than others.
Jesus doesn’t make us fit into a mold. He made each of us individually and specifically gifted. He’s not calling you to be like anyone else — he wants you to be you.
Real love embraces you where you are — just as you are. It’s the beginning of us accepting and loving ourselves, too.
5. Real Love says be content with where you are and what you bring to the world.
Our city says strive to be better, to get to the top. But God delights in us right where we are!
God has an abundance of good things planned for this stage of life you’re in. Enjoy where you are, and share it with him.
It’s possible to be bold in being yourself, because God has a dream for you to be radiant and your face to be never covered with shame.
6. Real Love never gives up on you.
We all want people on our side. Yet it’s rare to find people who cheer for us, believe in us, and walk through life with us.
God, however, sticks with us, even when we screw up everything. God’s love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.
Real love is out there. It’s available to us if we know who to go to, and are willing to open up ourselves.