Love Does Conquer All.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Love doesn’t seem as sacred as it should be. Our promises to each other are long forgotten… washed in the waves of our shortcomings, selfishness, and unspoken expectations. Love seems impatient and demanding. It can feel demeaning as we endure everything we shouldn’t and bear what feels impossible. But what would happen if we stopped telling each other we loved each other, and instead, actions were the only way to convey the message? We’d see very quickly, that often, this isn’t love.

Love is beautiful and consuming.

It’s selfless and wise. It allows us to be understanding and patient. Yet when 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love also endures all things… we need to realize that enduring isn’t synonymous with turning a blind eye to all things. To endure is to live through something or to survive it. Enduring was never meant to be the reason to stay, if anything, it gives us the justification to leave.

When situations are difficult, we need to lean on God to learn to love ourselves enough to endure the pain associated with saying goodbye… whether that be to friendships, relationships, the job you loved, or the life you loved. Love yourself enough to embrace the dreams you never thought you could achieve, the relationship you never thought you could have, and the life you never thought you could experience. Love does conquer all.

So Give Love…

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

It’s easy to focus on receiving, because let’s be honest, it feels good to receive. It feels good to be loved and appreciated, to know that someone is thinking of you… that they’ve put your needs above their own. Reciprocate what you expect to receive by giving love… to your friends, your enemies, strangers and family. Let your light shine in a way that inspires others to do the same. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Philippians 2:3)

Love yourself enough to love your journey.  There is no longevity in traveling with those who aren’t willing to carry any bags. Although we are responsible for our dreams, ambitions, and emotional well-being, it’s still important that we consider with whom we surround ourselves. In moments of weakness, when we place our choices in the hands of those who do not truly care about us, learn to take them back. No matter how difficult, pray for the strength to make choices while holding the hand of God. The scriptures tell us to: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Love God Enough…

Love Him enough to know that He will take you exactly where you need to go, even when you aren’t sure how you’re going to get there. He isn’t asking for your help on the details. Too often we settle for good because we believe God can’t give us great. Yet God’s love has no limits or boundaries. We learn:

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

So if ever it seems that the pain is too much, the disappointment is too overwhelming, or your dreams are too long deferred, hold tight and keep the faith, because God’s love is perfect. And yes, I can assure it you, His love does conquer all.