beLOVED

Love...

Never gives up.
Cares more for others than self.
Doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Doesn't strut.
Doesn't have a swelled head.
Doesn't force itself on others.
Isn't always "me first."
Doesn't fly off the handle.
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others.
Doesn't revel when others grovel.
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.
Puts up with anything.
Trusts God always.
Always looks for the best.
Never looks back.
Keeps going to the end.

This piece of scripture has always tugged at my heart, but as the years pass, I'm discovering more and more what love truly is. I've been blessed in being able to uncover this truth for myself. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, I've been able to see. But the more I learn of love, the more I see how it isn't easy. Love--in its purest form, is difficult. It seems unattainable. And I've come to this conclusion: I can't carry all of these attributes at one time--perfectly. I need help. That's why I love that Jesus IS love. He is all of those attributes and more. And with him, I am able to truly love. I am able to carry love into the darkest of places. I'm able to love whom others would call "unlovable." Because, with him, I am able to see as he sees.

These past couple of weeks have been a challenge because I've been living this scripture first-hand. I have been "pushed out" and the door has been slammed in my face. I have seen rejection in a friendship. There wasn't a reason behind the ending of it. I was forced out and yet--I hear the Father saying: Keep loving. Wait patiently on me. Trust me to do the impossible. Trust me to do above and beyond all you thought was possible. Learn to see as I see. Learn to see me in the truest form. My love is constant. It remains regardless of the response. It remains regardless of the attitude. It just is. And I'm going to teach you about this. Lean into me and see that my ways are so good. When you learn to love as I love, your heart will soar. 

And so, though I am "locked out," I continue to wait. I continue to pray. I remain. And it's difficult, but with Jesus in the mix, this discipline has been wrecking my heart. Jesus has been showing me time and time again of a snapshot of his love for us. My prayer for myself and for you is that you will get to experience and encounter his love in a way that you've never seen before. I pray that this scripture becomes alive to you! May you look into the eyes of the Father and trust him to pour out his love on you, so that you can in turn love yourself and love others!!

Keep going...to the end...

Be LOVED.