Understanding real love through the lens of Christianity often involves navigating a seemingly conflicting journey of selflessness and sacrifice. It’s like trying to find your way through a maze blindfolded, armed only with a compass called faith. Picture this: you’re on the subway, and just when you think you’ve got a seat, someone elderly shuffles in. Real love nudges you to offer your spot with a smile, even if it means enduring the rest of the ride standing, swerving and rocking like an old lady in church.
What I’ve learned is real love is not always clean and pristine; it’s often gritty, messy, and raw. It’s not the perfectly curated Instagram post but the unfiltered moments of vulnerability and forgiveness. Imagine two neighbors, constantly at odds over parking spaces and loud music. Real love challenges them to set aside their issues, knock on each other’s doors, and offer a peace offering of Girl Scout cookies or a case of sodas. It’s not about erasing differences but finding common ground with your fellow humans.
How about this? Picture a couple arguing over whose turn it is to clean the bathroom, each passionately defending their stance. Suddenly, one of them bursts into exaggerated tears, dramatically declaring, “Fine, I’ll do it, but only because I love you more!” Laughter dissolves the tension in the conflict and reminds us that love doesn’t always have to be serious—it can be playful and light-hearted too.
Real love, rooted in Christian beliefs, is like a big oak tree, weathering storms and standing tall through changing seasons. It’s not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast commitment to serving others, even when it’s inconvenient. Imagine a volunteer at a soup kitchen, dishing out warmth and nourishment to those in need, day after day. Real love empowers her to see the face of God in each person she serves. She finds purpose and fulfillment in acts of kindness.
I often pray that I’m able to move through the world as graceful and as loving as possible. I don’t want to only experience romantic love from my husband and nurturing love from my biological mother. I need sisterly love and brotherly love in my community. And I need it every day. It has become a part of my daily routine. I need to experience sharing and caring every day. Maybe I can’t make a donation every day. Maybe I can’t pick up the phone every day. But I can smile, I can hug. I can share gratitude and acknowledgement on my platforms. I can even pray for others and send kind thoughts their way.
The big picture is this– real love shines as a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos and confusion. It’s the guiding light that illuminates our path, leading us towards greater understanding and compassion. Whether we find ourselves in bustling city streets or quiet suburban neighborhoods, real love transcends boundaries, bringing people together in unity and harmony. So, let’s embrace the messiness, sprinkle in some laughs, and journey together in the pursuit of real love, one step at a time.
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