What Is Your Definition of True Love?
Abhorrent acts of betrayal are common in relationships.
Let me point out that such acts are not new, indeed, history is many times written with bloodshed due to acts of betrayal, a perfect example being the betrayal of Jesus by one of his disciples.
That said, there should be deep concern that, in our society, words stand for nothing and that your best friend, who knows you intimately, can be the one who directs the arrow (not cupid's arrow) through your heart.
Where is the problem, and can love be trusted? The apostle Paul accurately described what true love is: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it doesn't rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
" 1 Corinthians 13:4 I believe these are applicable to all people regardless of religion, race or age.
It states a lot of things, but I will pick on three that I consider very important in the context of relationships.
First, love doesn't keep a record of wrong.
Now this is a powerful statement.
In my humble opinion, it means that love doesn't hold grudges.
Think about it, some of the most atrocious acts are triggered by long-held grudges.
The human mind is made in search a way that it stores what we ask it to, preserving both the memory, as well as the emotions that surround the incident.
We don't usually have a choice about the recording; the tapes are always running.
But we make choices on what to retain and what to discard.
If we choose to discard, the negative emotions quickly fade away, and although the memory may take longer to fade, it no longer burdens us.
Choose to discard more than you retain when your partner wrongs you.
And you will find that love grows stronger.
Secondly, love is patient.
Impatience causes some of the most painful stories of betrayal.
Many give up just when the sun is about to rise, when that breakthrough in a business deal is about to happen, or just when a person is about to succeed in breaking a debilitating habit.
Being patient means that we will get there someday, as long we are working at it.
The language of love is patience, and love that is patient can be trusted.
Third, love always protects.
Anyone who is committed to a relationship knows this one thing: relationships expose you.
Your best kept secrets, your weakness, the evil that you work so hard to hide, all get known.
Thus, true love means protecting those you love.
In addition to emotional protection, partners protect each other hopes, dreams and achievements, including wealth, career success and other socio-economic gains.
True love will protect - not expose and injure.
Protecting your partner gives you access to their inner sanctums while knowing you are protected gives you confidence to achieve the highest potential.
Can love be trusted? A resounding yes is my answer.
However, that can only be achieved if we choose to practice the love that keeps no records of wrongs, is patient and protects.
Let me point out that such acts are not new, indeed, history is many times written with bloodshed due to acts of betrayal, a perfect example being the betrayal of Jesus by one of his disciples.
That said, there should be deep concern that, in our society, words stand for nothing and that your best friend, who knows you intimately, can be the one who directs the arrow (not cupid's arrow) through your heart.
Where is the problem, and can love be trusted? The apostle Paul accurately described what true love is: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it doesn't rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
" 1 Corinthians 13:4 I believe these are applicable to all people regardless of religion, race or age.
It states a lot of things, but I will pick on three that I consider very important in the context of relationships.
First, love doesn't keep a record of wrong.
Now this is a powerful statement.
In my humble opinion, it means that love doesn't hold grudges.
Think about it, some of the most atrocious acts are triggered by long-held grudges.
The human mind is made in search a way that it stores what we ask it to, preserving both the memory, as well as the emotions that surround the incident.
We don't usually have a choice about the recording; the tapes are always running.
But we make choices on what to retain and what to discard.
If we choose to discard, the negative emotions quickly fade away, and although the memory may take longer to fade, it no longer burdens us.
Choose to discard more than you retain when your partner wrongs you.
And you will find that love grows stronger.
Secondly, love is patient.
Impatience causes some of the most painful stories of betrayal.
Many give up just when the sun is about to rise, when that breakthrough in a business deal is about to happen, or just when a person is about to succeed in breaking a debilitating habit.
Being patient means that we will get there someday, as long we are working at it.
The language of love is patience, and love that is patient can be trusted.
Third, love always protects.
Anyone who is committed to a relationship knows this one thing: relationships expose you.
Your best kept secrets, your weakness, the evil that you work so hard to hide, all get known.
Thus, true love means protecting those you love.
In addition to emotional protection, partners protect each other hopes, dreams and achievements, including wealth, career success and other socio-economic gains.
True love will protect - not expose and injure.
Protecting your partner gives you access to their inner sanctums while knowing you are protected gives you confidence to achieve the highest potential.
Can love be trusted? A resounding yes is my answer.
However, that can only be achieved if we choose to practice the love that keeps no records of wrongs, is patient and protects.