Falling In Love

"Falling in love" is a term we hear in this world. What does it mean? What does it mean to you?

For me, falling in love is something that happens after a certain encounter that grabs a hold of your heart. It surprises you as it catches you off guard. It just feels right like taking the next natural step. You don't force it; you don't think about it...it just happens. The next thing you know, you're falling in love. It seems easy, but it's the remaining IN love that's the difficult part. Because of possible hurts and disappointments can cause the "exit" sign to appear on love. Why stay in love when it hurts too much or it's hard to maintain when only one seems to do the maintenance work? Then falling out of love seems inevitable, because people aren't perfect. It's like this term "falling in love" is only meant to be temporary...unless you view "falling in love" in a different way.

What happens if we see "falling in love" the way it was created. Like a beautiful love story which always has a "happily ever after" ending. It causes you to desire the same thing wishing it was your own life. I experienced all the goosebumps moments, but also the heartbreaking episodes which left me in a hopeless state. The remaining "IN" love is the most challenging part. If only we can continually stay in the "falling in love" stage, but for love to grow stronger it must be tested for its' resilience to remain in love. Being in love is a lifelong commitment not only to the good times, but even the worse. The only thing that made me push forward was looking to the One who created marriage, the author of love, who IS love...God Himself. As I looked to Him, I began to see love with a whole new perspective. It's not just a feeling or emotion. It's a constant decision to do the righteous thing like forgiving when you're hurting. Being selfless when you feel you have a right. Giving even though you don't receive. And believing "all things work together for good to those who love God" even when your circumstances looks hopeless. Those decisions aren't easy to make, because they go against the very nature of the flesh, BUT to the Lord they become sacrificial offerings you make wholeheartedly unto Him alone. It's the obedience you offer amid your own pain. He honors that sacrifice and blesses the obedience. What the Lord does in return is so much more than what was sacrificed. The outcome becomes this beautiful story interwoven with messages of redemption for all to see...to be displayed as His masterpiece.

In the long run "falling in love" is only full experienced through our relationship with the triune God. It's through Him we're given the ability to love unconditionally. As I heard it once said, "Are you willing to love unconditionally with the risk of being hurt?" Are you??? God did...when He sent His Son Jesus Christ into this world knowing some would reject Him. Jesus IS the greatest gift given. He's the most beautiful demonstration of love. It's through Him we can overcome the hurts that hinders love. It's through Him we're able to live in the fullness of His love not based on works. It's through Him we give love, because we receive love. It's God's perfect love which grabbed a hold of our own hearts. It's His perfect love that helps us to remain "IN" love not based on feelings, but a decision to love others based on grace. Love is powerful. Love changes hearts. Love transforms lives. Are you willing to receive God's gift of love...Jesus?

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

[John 3:16-17 NIV]