The pen of Elizabeth Barrett Browning asked the question”how do I love thee ?”, let me count the ways;  she gives an account of her hearts longing for another. She declares her love encompasses the breath, smiles, tears, of all her life; everything she is entwined in her love for this person.  Let us examine the subject of loving, first ask yourself what is love? “For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son,that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life”.

This says Love gives and sacrifices, is not selfish or self centered; next consider who do we love? Each of us are part of a family circle; parents,siblings,  and extended family members; the natural assumption would be that we love them all. Unfortunately, that is not necessary true.  Remember love is willing to give or sacrifice for those it loves.  In many family circles Love is questionable, not exhibited or conditional.  They say it was love at first sight, only death could part them.

She was sure she couldn’t love anyone as much as she loved him, he was so sure she would be with him until they were old and grey. Could their declarations of love survive the trials of life? Would their love prove to be true?  Love requires action ” there is no greater love than a man lay down his life for his friend”, real love will give everything it has; withholding nothing.  It is slow to anger, quick to forgive; recognizes when it is wrong and seeks reconciliation.

Life holds no guarantees, we often think we have time to tell those important to us how we feel, correct wrongs and express our love.  Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, today is all we have; if we miss the opportunity today offers we may not get another opportunity.  Father God gave us the definition of love; Love is long suffering, is kind, does not envy, is not puffed up, seeks not it’s own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoices in the truth.

Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things and endureth all things; love never fails.  How do you love? Are you following God’s directions for love? Is the love you exhibit unconditional or contingent on what you can gain?  Jesus, our example of what love is teaches us how we should love each other.  He was our earthly expression of God’s character, which is Love; all creation began from the love of God.

When we yield our hearts to Jesus we invite love into our lives, thus love shines forth; it cannot be contained and will reach every heart open to receive it.  Now that we have completed our examination, answer the question;  how do you love?  Jesus is the only way to the Father where love abides.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.