MORE THAN A FEELING

 

By Peggy Still—

Think of the reality shows on television today. I don’t watch them, but just viewing a short commercial clip, or hearing the news of the latest young star that falls makes my heart sad. The thought of how low our morals have sunk is a sure sign of how desperate people are to be loved. It seems that modernity has confused the feeling of what love should be with the reality of lasting love. Love is not just a head rush or disconnected sex. It is the conviction of the heart. It is loyalty to another through good and bad times. It is to be expressed by every facet of our being. We were created to give and to receive love.

Thomas Merton wrote, “Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all other secondary effects to take care of themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward.”

All efforts to define love fall miserably short compared to the Apostle Paul’s description in Romans 12. The scripture describes the love Christ enables in us when we choose to have His Spirit dwell within us.

–          Love is to be sincere and honorable

–          Love is devotion to one another

–          Love is honorable to another, above yourself

–          Love is to be joyful in hope, and patient in affliction

–          Love shares with others in need

–          Love practices hospitality

–          Love lives in harmony

–          Love does what is right in all circumstances

–          Love never seeks revenge

–          Love is never conceited

Not once does Paul speak of feelings. God’s love is given to us freely, no pre-requisites, is forgiving and unconditional. This, too, is how we must love. Love is more than a feeling, it is a commandment with requirements.

 

 

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Peggy: is embarking on a new career in mid-life. A featured speaker for women’s groups and retreats, she is the author of hundred of devotionals and articles in a variety of areas of interest to women. Married to Mark for 36 years, they have one daughter and raised two foster children. Peggy and Mark make their home in southern California.