Love is patient. (1 Corinthians 13:4 ) To go more in depth there, love waits. That could mean that it waits to have sex, but it could also mean it waits for true love to come. I read a quote that has definitely stuck with me the last few months. "A girls heart should be so wrapped up in Jesus that a man should have to find Him to know her." And for me that is so true. I don't feel as if someone knows me completely unless they know God because my identity is in Him.
Lust requires immediate satisfaction. ( 2 Samuel 13:11 ) Everyone can come up with someone that they know, whether that be themselves, or someone close to them, that has been in a relationship that describes this. Everyone has seen those couples that rush into everything. They can't wait. They won't wait, and it makes everyone feel uncomfortable. The minute they get together its PDA central. These are the types of relationships that we are warned about as Christians. They aren't satisfying at the end of the day, and to be bluntly honest.... they are not worth our time.
Love is kind. ( 1 Corinthians 13:4 ) What is kindness? You hear this word all the time, but could you define it? Webster defines it as a kind act, kind behavior, a friendly feeling, liking. When I feel most loved by someone, it's when they are kind to me. They realize my feelings, and take the time to care. They listen. And that is what love is. But that is not all love is.
Lust is harsh. ( 2 Samuel 13:15 ) If you are keeping up with the verses so far you will see the story of Tamar. Now, her half brother Absalom fell deeply in love, err lust, with her. The thing was though, he could not have her. So his friend came up with a way for him to pretty must take advantage of her, and rape her. Right after this happened he threw her out and locked the door behind her. This destroyed her. She felt horrible and not pure anymore. Back in those days purity meant so much to women. The kings virgin daughters wore long, beautiful robes because that was the custom back then. So she tore off her robe and put ashes on her head and went away crying. This is not the kind of love God intended, but he used it to bring glory to Him, if you keep on reading you will see what I mean.
Love does not demand its own way. ( 1 Corinthians 13:5 ) In the story, Absalom demanded that Tamar come to bed with him immediately. He didn't think of her feelings at all. He demanded that he get what he wanted. Love does not do this. Christ is the ultimate example of this love. He does not force himself upon us. He is a perfect gentleman and waits for us. Jesus showed this love by being beaten and bruised and dying on a cross. There is not very many examples of this love, but the one thing we need is God and his true example.
Lust does. ( 2 Samuel 13:14) Like I mentioned above, Absalom had demanded that Tamar come to bed with him immediately and would not think of her, or her feelings. This world has showed us that it is okay to want something and that we can get it immediately. Anywhere you are you can get basically whatever you want, delivered to your front door. Including, sex, drugs, money, etc. This is not what love is and it will really only leave you with any empty feeling inside.
So what I'm trying to say is, love is very complicated. It is not something that will happen over night, and is something you will have to work on, forever.
I haven't written a blog in a long time, but I feel like this all needs to be said, and that God is wanting us to know that true love is out there, and through Him you can feel it. You may not feel it from people, but God's love is the best and His arms are open so wide for us.
