It has been said we need it as much as food and water. Many are on a strict diet of lust to satisfy their physical and egotistical needs; to subdue the longings of the heart with gratuitous friendships. Many of these people will not or cannot afford the vulnerability of conveying love. Others still, see it as a conquest; another notch on the gun, another head to be mounted or as evidence they are still desirable. Let the lustful be with the lustful. If there is any value to their character, they will not contaminate love with selfish desires (”love” bombs).
We all need love whether we are willing to admit it or not. It’s a hunger within our souls to be understood, to be cared for, to be cherished and appreciated. Too often we are confused by our unresolved needs and look for what pacifies the void with temporary stimulants. We often try to keep ourselves entertained constantly to avoid dealing with our actual needs. What many attribute to boredom is most likely an inability to be happy and content with themselves and the acknowledgment that no one is there at any particular moment to make them “happy”. Case in point: What about the woman (or man) that will suffer emotional abuse, violence, cheating and dishonesty and still maintain loyalty in the name of love? We all need love, but, true love is caring about another. To expect to receive love without giving it is a ridiculously selfish attitude. To give love with no evidence that it is reciprocated is a ridiculous waste and extremely harmful to the possibilities of, again, offering true love.
I believe in true love. Our first love is often true love, when we would do anything for the one that makes us feel so good. Unfortunately, without the maturity and experiences to understand each other’s needs, it usually fails. With one failure after another our true love capabilities become contaminated and we begin to have more concern for ourselves. Instead of offering each other our lives, we quickly calculate the benefits ( economically, prestigiously, compatibility and personally), with little or no regard to the union and growth of two made one. When two unselfish hearts, worthy of trust and respect, are given to each other with the desire and ability to trust, love will flourish. Loving someone does not mean they will love you, they may not have that ability. Be wise and aware.
For the preservation of love, I implore all of you, be honest. All the baggage we carry is the result of dishonesty from “the other ____” or in being dishonest with ourselves. Know your abilities and capabilities and know the way they interact with others will probably be the way they eventually treat you. If you need to alter your thinking to love completely, work on it. If they need to make changes, decide if you can trust their acknowledgment, sincerity and perseverance. Love is patient, kind and forgiving; it doesn’t have to be stupid. Even if you don’t believe in God, the Bible offers great insight and goes the distance on how to love. It has more references to love than to God, Himself.
