How Do You Know It's True Love?

Pretty tough question eh? For the newbies in the department of love it is. Mmmm on second thought yep even those who've once been scarred and loved again do make mistakes in recognizing real affection too!

So why do I bother discussing this? Perhaps because I got two teen-age sons who will soon find themselves entangled in that mysterious emotion we spell out as L-O-V-E.

So what is LOVE? Try to hit search in Google and you will be bombarded with so many links to choose from. One reference I am most drawn to is the one stated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

When I was my kids' age I did not understand this. I thought we ought to be with people who looked beautiful in our eyes and those who are described by other people as lovable and charming. I wanted to be married to a superstar or to a wealthy man who drove the most expensive of cars. As I matured I realized none of the things I used to think were the qualities of my ideal man mattered. Everything all boiled down to one criteria- that the person is God-fearing and has a heart that beats with kindness, generosity, humility and sincerity.

What I learned from the story of The Prince- "what is essential is invisible to the naked eye" all became clear. Today as I type at the age of a year short of forty I smile as I look back and thank God for everyone who once became a part of my life- friends, and more than friends alike.

I go back to the question "How Do You Know It's True Love?"

"It's when you are ready to forgive and forget; to swallow your pride and walk with the other person in the guidance of faith ready to sacrifice for the one you love."

When you find it in the deepest crevices of your soul that you are AT PEACE when you are with the person, it is time to settle down and face the altar for that vow of "in sickness and in health; for richer or for poorer; 'til death do us part".... 

For now while you are still loveless and free, do the most important thing for you to be able to love unconditionally - LOVE thy SELF!