Love is . . . What???
Written by Kristina M.

 

Many young ladies mistake lust for love. Love is inside. If you love someone you love their character. You love their good qualities and don't focus on the bad qualities. I Corinthians 13:4-8 & 13 speak of true love. These verses clarify the difference between love and infatuation. The qualities of true love start with long suffering. You may think I have to suffer all the time with my siblings, or just having to live with my family is long-suffering. This may be true to a point, but long-suffering means that you are patient with the people around you. What is your reaction if your plans are upset by family members, or things don't go the way you thought they should? Do you show patience?

Next, love is kind. Are you kind ? Are you siblings used to these phrases..."Not now I'm busy!" "Can't you go bug someone else?" " Go away." "Don't touch my things", or do they hear these phrases..."Do you need help with that?" " I'd love to hear about your game!" " Come in!" "What are you up to?" How do you treat your parents? Do you use phrases like this... "Can't you see I'm busy?" " I hate doing the dishes!" " Why do you always ask me to..." How come I can't... when all my friends do?", or do you use these phrases... "Coming!" "Be there right away!" "No problem, I can finish... later." " Do you want me to do the dishes?" "Why don't you relax for awhile, you've worked hard all day long." I know that I need to show more kindness to my family members.

Let's skip a few of the characteristics of love and jump down to verse 5. These two characteristics are the ones I am going to focus on. Do you behave yourself unseemly? Are you seeking your own? To me this can especially apply to the relationship of a couple. Whether dating, courting, or just knowing that there is an interest, this is a vital equation to your actions. Are you going to give a part of your heart away, or are you going to treasure and guard it? For instance, you like a boy and he likes you. What are you thinking? Are you thinking unseemly thoughts? Thoughts lead to actions. BE ON GUARD!!! This is where you purpose in your heart to do what is right. You must decide that if this is an infatuation ( I think he's cute or, he's hilarious, or does he like me?) that you will keep your heart and thoughts pure. Pray that you can think of this young man as a godly friend only unless his interest in you as a future mate is known. If there is mutual interest and you are starting a dating or courting relationship continue to pray for a pure heart and mind, but also set some standards in cement. NO TOUCHING!!! I have counseled many girls who are heart broken, because they were going to save their first kiss for their mate. Now they have given away that piece of purity. Did it just happen? NO! What started as playing footsies or a wink led to holding hands, and eventually to a kiss. The boy is no longer interested in them, and he is not living for the Lord. This happens between young men and women in churches all over the world. DON'T GIVE IN!!! GUARD YOUR PURITY! Do not allow your lusts or infatuation to take over. LET GOD LEAD in your relationship. If you love this young man you will want him to stay pure as well. You will not seek your own by putting yourselves in positions where it is easy to be physical. You will want your relationship to stay above board! If you end up marrying someone else you won't regret your past relationship. Act to this young man as you would want other girls to act with your future husband. Would you want another girl holding his hand, winking at him, or kissing him. NO! I think we all want a godly young man who is sold out for God. A young man who is pure and completely in love with us alone. Do not behave yourself unseemly by being physical or by using your looks and actions to defraud (offering something that is not yours to give until marriage).

 

"Keep [Guard] thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life.
" Proverbs 4:23

 

 

 

 

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