Love: Defined

Feb 28
2 min read

Valentine’s Day has come and gone and since then, I’ve been thinking about the topic of ‘Love’ and what it means to me.

When I was young and the notion of love first crossed my mind, I would have described it as a feeling of affection or caring for a person. Perhaps also a feeling of being safe and secure, knowing that that person always has my back.

My definition of love has certainly shifted as I’ve grown older - From ‘needing’ or ‘seeking to fill a void,’ to more of an Agape type of love; a selfless, unconditional love that asks for nothing in return, and sharing from a place of wholeness.

I think I used to be a ‘collector of affection’ - focusing on receiving affection to fill an internal void. My happiness was more dependent on external validation rather than internal fulfillment. I am becoming more of ‘a fountain for affection’ - giving freely without expecting immediate repayment because I have Joy within. For me, it has everything to do with my relationship with Christ and Christ within me. He loved me first and because He loved me, I am learning to love others extravagantly.

In my eyes, Love is…

Both an emotion and a choice
Prioritizing other’s needs above my own
Always ready to forgive regardless of the circumstance or who is at fault
Not taking someone for granted or allowing complacency to creep in
It is all summed up in the book of 1 Corinthians‬, chapter 13‬, verses 4-8 - what I’d like to call the ‘love verses.’

My sister sent me this beautiful country song, called “I will love you for always," which reminded me of why it’s possible to love ‘beyond ourselves.’ I hope you’ll check it out. (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVBumEEjyys/?igsh=ZHd0OTF5MXcwZzVi)

Oddly enough, growing up, I wasn’t a country music buff, but my parents were avid fans. I used to be a people pleaser, and as a result, the summer before college, I entered a contest (or the Hodag Country Music Festival) I and ended up walking away with the country queen crown. Regardless of meeting various country music artists, to say nothing of the one who shared a kiss with me during the festival, the music didn’t quite grow on me (Even though he was a dreamboat! LOL.). However, I am definitely starting to appreciate it!

Lesson Learned: Love extravagantly and with your whole heart and soul!