What Is Love?

   

 Love has many definitions.  There is the world’s definition i.e. Webster’s dictionary that says “a strong affection for another and/or unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.”  There is the Church’s definition of “God is Love.”  This definition is the absolute definition of love.  Then there is the worldly Christian’s definition and the focal point today.  Love is sacrificing yourself.

     In order to come to this conclusion, we first have to look back at what every Christian feels is the epitome of Love.  We have to go back to Jesus being crucified.  He could have called up to God and had angels come down and remove Him from the situation He was in.  Mathew 26:53 tells of Jesus in the garden when He tells His captors that God put twelve legions of angels at His disposal.  That same request could have been made from the cross just as easy as it could have from the garden.  But instead of removing Himself from the situation He sacrificed Himself for every one of us. 

     That is the same sacrifice we must have when we love.  Think about the people in your life that you love.  At some point in the relationships you have, you will sacrifice your own personal wants, desires and needs.  The relationship between a mother and child is an example of love that can’t be measured.  A mother will give up time, energy, money and food for themselves in order for the child to survive.  A mother will even give up her life in order for her child to live.  This is the same love Jesus exhibited towards us.

     As a young couple starts getting serious and planning on taking their relationship to the next level, they need to be asked one question.  If something was to happen and one of you didn’t come home, then who is not coming home?  The answer should be simple.  If there is any hesitation or thinking about the question, then there is not love.  When you love someone, then you are willing to sacrifice yourself for them.  They receive the gift of your sacrifice.  You will be living out the example Jesus set for us.

  

     Don’t misunderstand that love is a one way street.  When love rules a relationship, then both sides are beneficiaries.  You will receive more blessings from sacrificing yourself for someone than you will be able to measure.  On the same token, when you are the recipient of someone else’s sacrifice, you will bless them by allowing them to love you.

 

     God is and will always be love.  Jesus is the perfect example of love.  Scripture tells us to be Christ like in all of our ways.  If we are to be like Jesus, then we must sacrifice our self to show others our love.  Are you going to live by the world’s definition of love and show affection for others or are you ready to sacrifice yourself for the people you love?