...and they lived happily ever after...

A random point in time, 11:00 a.m....

Love.

I could not resist an opportunity to look at one of the most basic and most talked about topics in the world.  It is probably the most popular topic in art, paintings, poetry, songs, books, movies, and TV shows.  It is also the heart of the message in the Bible.  Yet, the world's definitions of Love and God's definitions of Love are so very different.  When it comes to Love, the differences are so clear, so much so that I doubt I will need to make much of a comment.  All I need to do is list some samples of Love from the world's perspective, and some samples from the scriptural perspective.  The rest is up to your imagination.

I thought about typing this Post while listening to one of my favorite bands, Def Lepperd, singing a song called Love Bites.  Here is the chorus:

I don't want to touch you too much, baby
'Cos makin' love to you might drive me crazy
Oh!
Love bites
Love bleeds
It's bringing me to my knees
Love lives
Love dies
It's no surprise
Love begs
Love pleads
It's what I need

I suppose it has a romantic spin, depending on one's point of view.  The music is beautiful.  It also makes Love sound like something I might want to avoid that same way I would avoid a wild animal with rabies.  Here are few more song titles from some more of my favorite artists:

Love Hurts
Love Stinks
Victim of Love
You Give Love a Bad Name
In and Out of Love
Can't Stop Fallin' Into Love
Too Late for Love
Love Lies Bleeding
The Crush of Love
Too Young to Fall in Love
Love Is a Battlefield
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
I Don't Believe in Love
Aint Love a Kick in the Head
Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy
Outta Love Again
Love in an Elevator


I could not help but smile as I looked at songs in my library.  If I didn't know better, it might appear that Love is dangerous.  Love is something we fall into, like falling down the stairs.  Love hurts, it stinks, it bites, it drives us crazy.  Love is a war.  Love is a 'feeling'.  Love feels good, feels bad, love is up and down, love comes and goes.  Sex is referred to as "making love", the same way we might "make cookies".  All too often it seems like infatuation, passion, desire, lust and sex are used synonymously with love.  I do not believe those concepts accurately reflect true love.

This small sample of songs seem to cover the world's idea of love; I don't need to list books, movies and TV as they say the same things.


My question is this:  Does the world give us an accurate picture of what Love really is?  Or are these portrayals of Love just another "smoke & mirrors" attack from an enemy who would do anything to keep us from experiencing true Love?  You be the judge....


1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 

In this scripture, Love is portrayed as action (or inaction as the case may be).  It appears to be solid, unwavering.  Love is unconditional.  Actions are clearly defined, and each action listed leaves no room for doubt.  There is no mention of 'feelings'.  Love also appears to be pain free.  There is no mention of 'falling into' anything.  This scripture was the theme of our wedding day; it was printed on the invitations.  I can safely say that thus far, love has not failed us in our marriage.  I hope that as I learn and grow, I can become more consistent when it comes to 'loving' the people in my life, whoever they may be.


John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

In the most popular 'love' passage in the New Testament, Love is shown again as an action, this time an act of giving.  God gave us Jesus, and Jesus gave His life, all out of love for you and me.


If Love never fails, I want Love to be the theme song of my life...



I leave you with these thoughts:

• Is true Love the song of your life?
• Do you Love God?
• Do you Love your neighbor?
• Do you Love your family and friends?

The journey continues...

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