A recent conversation with some friends promted me to write this blog. I don't know about you but I think about love a lot.
As little girls especially, we were always encouraged to believe that we were little princesses just waiting to find our Prince. As corny as it sounds, and you can dismiss it if you choose, but I think we can all agree that we have all seen at least one Disney movie- one of the classics; Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty- for people of my age certainly- these are the films I grew up with. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the films as such, they do encourage us to expect a fairytale life that won't happen for most (if any!)
Most of us all think we know what true love is. Can real love be explained with mere words? Or is it actions that demonstrate this complex and multi dimensional emotion. Even the word 'emotion' seems too simple to describe it. I do believe, however, that love can only ever be true. If it's not true, it's not love, it's something else entirely. And whilst there are many different kinds of love, to identify them is sometimes just too hard.
I try not to be cynical when it comes to love, because is it a wonderful gift that when shared, can make a profound impact on people's lives. However, that is not to say that it doesn't come without it's problems. You see, there will always be conditions with love between mankind. You only have to look to the selection of glossies that grace our TV screens and corner shops. Pre-nups signed before marriage; people anticipating that something will go wrong as they simultaneously declare their vows of faithfulness to one another. I'm not saying that all marriages were meant to be- we need to be realistic here, but part of learning about marriage and relationships is being by patient with one another, letting things go, being understanding. And in due course, when married, being adoring and compassionate, despite faults and flaws. It's not going to be a perfct little picnic of partnership, but a journey of adventures where there will be ups and downs, but ultimately, sharing in that together, growing closer and falling more in love as each day goes by.
I sound like I'm speaking from experience which I can tell you, I'm certainly not having never been in love before. However, my once jeuvenile fantasy has been transformed, by the grace of God, into a realistic, achieveable adventure that I'm really excited to begin. Most of us will get married, but regardless of whether we do or don't, truth is, and at risk of sounding incredibly cheesy once again, we have all already found our Prince. We all have a Prince of Peace who loves us unconditionally.
Unconditional love can only be found in God, through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ. Who else would really give their life for you? Who would suffer the most horrendous death imaginable so he could live through you and have a relationship with you? Who would sacrifice his one and only son, for you? Only one God would do that. He loves you. He will always love you. Revel in that gift of real, true love. Enjoy his unconditional love today.
This track is on Phil Wickham's most recent record: "Heaven and Earth". Enjoy!
