Wanda Maxey
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8 KJV
“Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry,” was a line in the 1970 film, “Love Story.” I don't agree with the idea. We all need to hear a heartfelt apology. Simply mouthing the words, “I'm sorry,” is not necessarily true repentance. Any more than repeating the words, “I love you,” mean true love. Anyone can say the words, but it's the actions behind the words that matter.
A mother who sells her young daughter into Human Trafficking because she needs the money, then goes to visit her and cries during their time together—to me, that's not love.
A boyfriend who wants you to climb into the back seat of his car and give your all to him, “If you love me, you will,” he says, that's not love. Let's assume he really loved you—he wouldn't ask you to risk your health, your morals, not to mention an unplanned pregnancy, to satisfy his selfish desires. True love would put action behind his words, and a ring on your finger.
A man who views you as a target will say or do anything to hook you. To repeat his line of, “I love you,” is one of his biggest draws. If only he can convince you of his undying love, he thinks he can get anything he wants, your body, your car, your house, or worse yet, maybe your children or grand children. If, on your first date, he slapped you up along side of the head and called you a name, you wouldn't go on a second date. He has to convince you he loves you, usually with his words. We need to pay attention to the things they do. Actions speak louder than words.
Love is more than words. Love means different things to different people. We need to learn to show love to a person in a way that makes them feel loved. Love is doing what is best for the other person, because you care more about their happiness, than your own.
To me—Love is when your husband opens an ice cold bottle of pop, on a hot day, and offers the first drink to you.
Love is watching an old John Wayne movie with your husband, even when you'd rather play, “While You Were Sleeping,” because he enjoys it more with you at his side.
Love is when your husband drives you to the store, his idea, and waits in the car while you shop, because he understands you hate to drive.
Love is when he's mowing the grass in 90 heat, and you take him a mug of iced tea and a cool cloth.
Love is caring for someone when they're sick, it means giving of yourself.
Sometimes, love means letting him go, after a lifetime of marriage, because his body is full of cancer. You know he belongs to the Lord and he'll be better off in heaven. Even though your heart is breaking, you tell him you'll be alright, and it's okay to go. You hold him in your arms until he's in Jesus arms.
Most of all. Love is knowing Jesus. Even though life is hard, and we all go through bad times, He is the only one who will never leave us. He will be with us and help us through the tribulations of life. He will give us the strength to go on and find joy amidst the trials. Jesus didn't only say, “I love you,” He put action behind His words. He died on a cross, and rose again, to prove His love.
There is no greater love. Do you know His love?