A Lesson in LOVE

"Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 

In our society today, too often love comes with a price tag. We SHOW love, in order to RECEIVE love. God sacrificed His life on a cross, giving the highest form; the utmost contribution of love to a people who couldn't be less deserving. US. Me, you, that person beside you, the person across the room. He loved YOU. Now I know that is the best feeling in the world knowing that the KING OF THE UNIVERSE, the savior of the WORLD loves little ole' you, but you see it doesn't stop there! 

BECAUSE of that amazing love, we get the chance to love other people; in hope that we can show a fraction of the love that God showed us. Love isn't just a bunch of warm gushy feelings, love is an ACTION, a CHOICE, it's a LIFESTYLE, and it's a GIFT. A gift that comes from freedom. 
Love helps when it isn't convenient. It gives even when it hurts. It listens without putting up a fight. Love isn't easy, but it is the best thing you could ever do. 
Real love is selfless, it has no price tag attached. Love gives, even when love isn't being received. It doesn't say "I'll love you, when you love me" Love says here take everything that I can give. You may be wondering now what happens when I give give give and then I don't get get get ANYTHING. That is what the Love of God is for, He is EVERYTHING that we need and so much more! He is our provider. We give because we have the ability to give because of how much he has given us! 

This is where "agape" love comes into play- It means a love with no expectation in return.

So right now I just want you to evaluate the love you are giving out, is it "agape" love or are you giving love out of selfishness, in hopes that your needs get met? 

Daddy-
Thank you for your agape love, for never giving up on us even we so often we are so undeserving of your love in our lives. Father you are the ultimate giver of love, I pray that we would rely on your love to be enough for us and that we wouldn't run to people to try and feel that need in our lives. Your love never fails and for that we are eternally indebted. We love you Father, would you strengthen us and we try to become more like you- Children of the MOST HIGH. We love you. Amen.