Everyone has their own idea of what love is. We learn about love in movies, books, and life experiences. But really, what is love? It’s a word thrown around a lot. Someone may say that they love you but before you know it they hurt you more than you can imagine. Some religions claim they are based on love, but then you see religious fanatics killing those with different beliefs. As good as love is supposed to be, it can cause so much pain. I know the hurt that a broken heart can cause, whether it is from a lover, a family member, or a friend.
So why does love seem to lead to pain instead of happiness? I believe it’s because we don’t know what real love is. The apostle Paul gives a great description of what love is in 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…” If we would love like that, we wouldn’t cause as much pain as we seem to do. So according to Paul, we don’t really love. I have yet to meet a single person who could meet this definition of love. So how do we learn to love?
First we must learn to love God. In Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” So Jesus says the best thing a person can do is love God with all that you have. To me it doesn’t seem that hard to love the one who gave me life. We can only love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).
And here is what Jesus said after that (Matthew 22:39), “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus told us exactly how we can love others; love them as much as you love yourself. We live in a society that tells us that we need to do whatever we can to please ourselves and satisfy our urges. Do whatever you can to make yourself happy. But this is what leads to the unhappiness. When people just live for themselves they cause pain and heartache for everyone else.
This is why Jesus gave two commands on how to live. He didn’t make a huge list of rules we have to follow. He told us to love God and love others as much as we love ourselves. When we sin, we are hurting others. Paul describes this perfectly in Romans 13: 9-10: "The commandments: "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." By following these two commandments we will keep the other commandments. These are broken when we don't love someone or something. With true love there is no wrong.
By choosing love, you can change the world around you. First, you must love God. He is the one who can show you what real love is. Jesus expressed this love when he was tortured and died on the cross for us. We can only begin to understand real love when we feel the love of God. Second, you must be selfless and love others as much as you love yourself. I am getting into a law enforcement career, not for myself, but to help others. A police officer is one of the most underappreciated careers there is. Cops put their lives on the line everyday to serve and protect and receive very little appreciation for what they do. We need to live with the same mentality. Just imagine what life would be like if everyone wanted to help each other instead of themselves. I have made the choice to serve others and show God’s love to a loveless world.
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