Love Is A Decision
There are a few words in my house that treated differently than others. One is “hate” – no-one is allowed to use that word about someone in the family. Outside of the family, even referring to objects, that particular expression is very seldom used. Another is “sorry.” If someone in the family uses that word they know that it comes with strings attached. “What does sorry mean?” I ask. The reply is automatic, “Sorry means I won’t do it again.” You can not say sorry lightly to get out of trouble or calm a situation. Sorry is a commitment to change their behavior. The last word is Love, because love isn’t a simple emotion. Love is a decision.
Don’t Give Away Your Treasure
I always tell my kids that love isn’t a feeling- it’s a commitment – a decision. Sometimes you won’t always feel those loving feelings, but if you’ve made a commitment you’re bound by your word. That’s why the word, “love”, isn’t something to throw around all willy-nilly; nor is it something is you bestow upon just anyone. Your love is valuable. True love is a treasure.
It’s Deeper Than That
When you decide to make the commitment to love someone it is no light matter. There are so many things to consider. Â The most important of which is: do they view love the same way? Or, do they think love is simply a feeling which they can fall in and out of. Will they stick by you when things are tough? Will they continue to love you even when they don’t feel like it? Will they aspire to love the way God loves?
Find Someone Who Will Swim To You Too
There is a natural ebb and flow in any relationship – sometimes you’re closer and others not so much. You have to work at coming back together when you find yourself drifting. The trick is finding someone who will swim back to you too, someone who will throw out a life preserver when you’re going under, someone who doesn’t give up.Â
Romans 8:37-39
 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.        Â
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