Were You Taught How to Love or Just Told To Love?
Dancing Elephants Press Prompt Week 40 of 52.
I will write this from the point of view of my childhood. I have had other POVs since, but this will explain most of what I want to say. Read on . . .
God is Love. Love is the most powerful of attributes associated with God.
The Bible’s description of love presents a powerful ideal for human relationships and interactions. It sets a high standard for how we should love one another, mirroring the divine love that God exemplifies. By following this description, individuals can strive to embody the essence of love as demonstrated by God.
The Bible teaches that God’s love is not passive or distant but active and personal. God’s love is the very reason for our existence. God’s love is not limited to a general affection for humanity but extends to each individual. Each of us was uniquely created and is cherished by God. The Scriptures express this sentiment in various passages, such as Jeremiah 31:3, which says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” This verse reveals that God’s love for us is eternal and unwavering.
God’s love is not contingent upon our worthiness or accomplishments. It is a love that exists purely out of God’s nature and character. No matter how we behave, we are loved. We must extrapolate some truths from those statements.
God created me!
God created you!
God loves us all!
Using God as the ideal, how can I not love you?
Soul equals Soul!
The knowledge that we exist, because God loves us brings profound meaning and purpose to our lives. It reminds us that we are valued, cherished, and deeply cared for. Understanding this love can also transform our relationships with others, as we are called to reflect God’s love in our interactions with those around us.
God’s love is personal. He knows each of us individually and loves us personally. His is a mighty love that has no beginning and no end. Why does God love us? It is because of who He is: “God is love.”
In summary, the concept that we exist because God loves us adds to the understanding of love’s essence described in the Bible. It emphasizes the personal nature of God’s love and highlights that our existence is rooted in God’s profound affection for us as individuals.
Now, those are the words that should explain what Love is. It began at our creation. It continues throughout eternity. How does that relate to us in this world? In an effort to explain it I offer this parable.
The Parable of Thomas
Once upon a time, there was a young artist named Thomas. Thomas lived in a small village and was known for his beautiful paintings. One day, the Lord spoke to Thomas and said, “Thomas, look into your heart and see if you find purity there.”
Thomas didn’t understand what this meant, so he embarked on a journey to discover the meaning of purity. He painted portraits of his loved ones — his mother, father, siblings, and friends — and realized that his heart swelled with love for them.
This love, he understood, was not selfish. It didn’t ask for anything in return; it only wished to give and serve. He felt a strong desire to create beautiful art for his family and friends to bring joy to their lives, and he found that this selfless act filled him with a sense of peace and purpose.
As Thomas continued his life, his love expanded beyond just his family and friends. He began to appreciate and love the world around him, its beauty, and its imperfections. He painted the trees, the river, the mountains — everything that he saw and experienced.
Through these acts of love, his heart transformed. Thomas found that love was not just a feeling but a part of him. It guided his thoughts, his actions, and his art. He realized that love was a powerful force that inspired him to be selfless, and to care for others and the world around him.
When he looked into his heart again, Thomas found what the Lord had asked him to seek: purity. He understood that the purity the Lord had asked him to find was not about being perfect but about being genuine and selfless, loving and caring for others, himself, and the world. Thomas knew then that the Lord had been with him all along, guiding him on his journey.
So, dear one, remember Thomas’s story as you embark on your own journey. Keep love in your heart, serve others selflessly, and find your own form of purity. As you do so, know that you’re never alone; just as the Lord was with Thomas, He will be with you throughout your journey.
When I thought about the topic for the Summer 2023 Contest, I was shaken by the thought that I could not write enough to transfer my understanding of the subject to others in a satisfactory way. I accepted the challenge after I realized that I could write about one small aspect of Love. I hope it was clear enough. Thank you for reading.
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