“For God so loved the world that He gave . . . “ - 9 powerful words in John 3:16 that describe why God gave His Son, Jesus, to the world to die for mankind. God did it because He loved the world. He didn't just love the world, He so loved the world. He so loved the world somuch that He put action to His feelings of love.

Love, as demonstrated by Love personified, should be coupled with action. God so loved, so He gave. Man loves, so man gives. Woman loves, so woman gives.

Love should be a selfless act of devotion demonstrated between two people who deeply care for one another.

So many times, in relationships, people look for what they can get out of a relationship, instead of what they can deposit into the relationship. Love is sometimes viewed as an opportunity to receive adoration, admiration, and exaltation at the expense of the other person having to take on the huge responsibility of being the center of one's joy and happiness.

The center of one's joy and happiness should be Jesus. It is God's love, when one receives Jesus as his or her personal Lord and Savior that comes to reside in the heart of the believer. It is God's love on the inside that gives one inner joy, inward peace, and true contentment. It is God's love on the inside, flowing forth on the outside, that allows His chosen to love mankind, and to unconditionally love one's spouse or significant other.

1 Corinthians 13 describes it best when it describes love as being patient. Love waits.  Love is willing to wait until marriage before it decides to consummate the relationship prematurely and outside of the perfect will of God.

♥Love is worth the wait. True love is knowing that the relationship is far more stronger than what it has to offer one another in the bedroom.

♥Love doesn't cheat. Cheating is based on selfishness, fulfilling a fleshly appetite, and satisfying ones often hungry ego.

♥Love is kind and considerate. Love edifies and uplifts, and doesn't break down.

♥Love is peaceful. There should be no consistent “drama” in a true love relationship.

♥Love doesn't create drama, but creates an atmosphere of harmony and peace.

♥Love realizes that everything isn't going to be perfect all the time, and that the other person is not perfect (because a perfect person does not exist), but love chooses to love anyway.

The same way that God loved us while we were yet sinners -while we lived our lives as if He wasn't there, and as if He wasn't God- He still sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us anyway, because He loves us so.

♥Love is God, and God is Love.

Scripture References:  John 3:16, Romans 10:8-10, 1 Corinthians 13, Romans 5:8

Kimberley Brooks is the author of the acclaimed novel, He's Fine . . . But is He Saved?  A Detroit native, she is a graduate of Michigan State University and Word of Faith Bible Training Center. For more information, visit www.KimontheWeb.com

Copyright© 2007 Kimberley Brooks. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission BlackandChristian.com.