Love is Not Always a Feeling

Love is a tricky word. Our first reaction is usually emotional. Our heart seems to beat a little faster when the one we love comes near. We smile without realizing it. Our eyes meet and we feel very special.

Emotional love is important in human relationships. Romantic love is what propels a bride and groom down the aisle. Babies have a way of sparking love in the hearts of parents and the broader family unit.

In the world of humans, love is a two-sided relationship. Not even a friendship will flourish without this element.    

But we all know emotional love has a way of running down, leaking out, or reaching a limit. When this happens, people feel let down or disappointed. Having “lost heart,” they think it must be time to get out of this relationship . . . but it’s not!

Love is not always a feeling! Instead of depending on emotions, true love is a choice. It shows up in a willingness to act for the good of another.

I said I would share a “boots on the ground” explanation of love this week. I grew up with the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, but there are now many wonderful easier-to-understand versions.

First Corinthians Thirteen is known as “The Love Chapter.” Feel free to read it in any Bible you like. I’m going to share a few choice things from the *Amplified Bible (AMP).

Sixteen characteristics of love are listed in verses four through eight. Let's consider a few:

                      Love endures long, and is patient and kind

                      Love is never envious nor boils over with jealousy

                      Love is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly

                      Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or own way

                      Love is not self-seeking, touchy or fretful, or resentful

                      Love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness

                      Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end)

Stop and review that list.

It shows how the emotion-driven “I LOVE you,” can become a choice-driven action that says, “I care about YOU!”

True love in ALL relationships balances emotions with actions. We need both.

*The Amplified Bible I Use is THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE featuring Notes and Commentary by Joyce Meyer, Faith Words, Hachette Book Group, New York, NY, 2006.