Not about me: Rethinking the way people see love

Most people’s understanding of love is often skewed by the lovey-dovey feelings so commonly represented in fairy tales and rom-coms. It all sounds rather saccharine and plays into why many people are left disappointed by it. Falling in love is easy, as attested by dozens upon dozens of crushes and past relationships. 

Image source: dailymail.co.uk

In truth, the physical emotions felt whenever one is in love, that euphoria the person feels whenever they see “the one” is entirely superficial, a chemical reaction in the brain. To go beyond that physical aspect of love and understand it for what truly is, people need to see love as God sees it. 

It should go without saying, but the point bears repeating: love isn’t all about you. In any loving relationship, there should be a lot of giving. 

Love, as described in the Scripture, often refers to living for others and putting their needs and well-being of someone else above one’s own. It is not selfish. This does not mean that people should neglect their needs while loving others, but that they shouldn’t put our needs front and center. 

This is especially true when relationships appear to go downhill. Perhaps it is because of one’s petulance that they fail to see the needs of the those they love. Indeed, many relationships fail because of one partner’s refusal to give up their “me first” attitude. 

Love like the Lord loved the world, without selfishness. Believers should learn to love God first, love and seek the needs of others second, and love themselves third. 

Image source: desringgod.org

Westside Family Church invites people from all walks of life not only to worship but also to practice their faith through community development. Visit this website for more on church initiatives.

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