Love is a mysterious visitation that seizes you, a once in a lifetime feeling of sheer ecstasy. Love is believed to be strictly an affair of the heart, something that can't be understood, just experienced. Love conquers all and lasts forever...
Falling in love can be an amazing experience. But what is real love?
Love at first sight? Does it truly exist? Movies, books, television shows, would have you believe that love at first sight lasts forever. Physical attractiveness is usually what makes people notice each other. It's hard to see someone's personality at first sight. You don't know anything about someone at first sight. (1 Peter 3:4)
Looks are deceiving. Outward appearances are deceiving. Charm may be false, prettiness may be vain. (Proverbs 31:30) The heart is the most deceitful thing there is. (Jeremiah 17:9)
Love versus Infatuation... Infatuation is blind and it likes to stay that way. Infatuation is counterfeit love, unrealistic and self centered. A relationship is based on selfishness is bound to fail. Love based on bible principle is neither self-centered nor selfish. When you are really in love you care just as much for the other's welfare and happiness as you do your own. Do not let overpowering emotion destroy your judgement.
It takes time. True love is not hurt by time. Test the feelings and then let time pass. Time allows you to examine your romantic interest. Real love does not happen overnight. How can you know true love? Get to know more than the person's external image. Give time for the relationship to form. Genuine loev grows stronger with time and becomes a perfect bond of union. (Colossians 3:14)
Is it love or Infatuation? There are so many characteristics of love and infatuation. I will discuss both of them first. The first discussion is going to be about love. Love is an unselfish caring about the interest of the other person. Romance often starts slowly, perhaps months or even years. You are attracted by the other person's total personality and spiritual qualities. The effect on you is that it makes you a better person. You view the other person realistically, seeing his or her faults, yet loving them anyways. You have disagreements but you find that you can talk them out and settle them. You want to give and share with the other person.
Infatuation characteristics can be often seen as love but you have to really examine them. Infatuation is selfish and restrictive. One thinks, what does this do for me. Romance starts out fast, perhaps hours or days. You are deeply impressed or interested in the other's physical appearance. Its destructive and disorganizing effect. It is also unrealistic, the other person seems perfect. You ignore any nagging doubts about serious personality flaws. Arguments are frequent, nothing really gets settled. Many are settled with some kind of attention seeking behaviors for example a kiss or sex. The emphasis is on taking or getting, especially in satisfying sexual urges.
He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid. (Proverbs 28:26) Far too often, the judgement of our heart is misguided or misdirected. You can escape the dangers and frustrations otehrs have suffered if you learn differences between love and infatuation.
So, in conclusion... when you are looking at your own relationship... what kind are you in? Take into serious consideration what is written above because only you can know what God truly has in store for you. I think I know what I have. Do you?
No comments:
Post a Comment