How can you make it last? And where do you find it?
Indeed, real and lasting love is something we all long for. But, for many of us, it’s often elusive—or short-lived. At least, in terms of romantic relationships.
You date, and break up.
You get married, and get divorced. Or your spouse passes.
Or, you’ve never had a long-term relationship.
If you ask a few people you know to define “true love,” you might get answers like this: True love is unconditional love. It’s about mutual admiration, intimacy, connection, support, respect, fondness, and trust. It’s making a commitment, growing together—and sharing life together.
You may find it hard to imagine that anyone could love you like that—flaws and all.
But the One who loves you most already loves you that way.
And it’s this primary love—this essential love of another kind—that we all need. Because when we know and receive God’s love for us it changes us. And it helps us to better love ourselves and love others well.
Love of Another Kind
The truth about true love is that it’s closer than you think.
True love is found in the amazing, life-changing love that God has for you. He made you. You were his idea! And God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to this world 2,000 years ago to demonstrate that love to the world.
God is not only the author of love, He IS love. And the remarkable thing is that God’s love for you is unconditional—not based on who you are or what you’ve done (or not done).
His love never ends. He is compassionate. Slow to anger. Forgiving. Compassionate. Kind. God not only loves you, He likes you. He wants to spend time with you. And that’s where prayer comes in—it’s a holy conversation—an ongoing connection of talking and listening to the Lord.
It’s the kind of love that moves us to sing, “What wondrous love is this, O my soul?”
Love Changes Everything
God wants us to first love Him, and then go out and love others; to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-38).
Love changes how we live and the choices we make—like living beyond our feelings, learning to accept others, and learning to forgive.
More than a feeling, love is a choice.
You already have the true love you’re longing for. God is reaching out to you. All you have to do is reach back. Then, empowered by God’s love in you, go love others well. And watch what happens next.
Love changes everything.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love...” (Jeremiah 31:3)