“What is Love?” by Out of the Grey

Some would search the seven seas 'cross the great divide 

To find the perfect ecstasy, to fill the heart and mind

Body and soul, we search for meaning

Before learning just what love is

Some would say a sudden flame, a passion prone to passing

To other just a distant dream, never meant for them

So many souls would find their meaning

If they first would learn what love is

What is love?

To lay your life down to save another

What is love?

To give yourself to those who don't deserve

When mercy smooths

The furrowed brow of justice

We will understand what love is

Jesus calmed the stormy seas across the great divide

He's the perfect ecstasy to fill the heart and mind

Body and soul, the search is over

We found Jesus, He's what love is

What is love to you? The lyrics above do quite well to define what I know love to be, yet here’s the caveat; living out love is far more important than what I define love to be. I fail often. Daily as a matter of fact! Real love, perfect love in Jesus Christ, is something to be received. That’s the first and most important decision if we are to love others. Feelings are fickle and demanding. There are individuals in all of our lives who are, for one reason or another, hard to love. I’m not talking about toxic and abusive people. Sometimes distancing and boundaries are necessary. No, I’m referring to those folks who can be rude, negative and closed minded.

Because my Dad is no longer living, I will use him as an example. God used this man to show me how to love without compromising, to set needed boundaries and to forgive. My Dad knew I loved him, and he knew I would not tolerate angry outbursts. We had many years to learn a better way. It was worth it, and I’m so grateful to God. It was impossible for me to bring the healing and restoration into my relationship with my Dad. Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing is impossible with God”. Because I received the gift of perfect love in Jesus Christ, I was also given the Holy Spirit. This is a miracle experience. The impossible becomes possible!

I did not and will not say it’s easy. Nope. It’s tough to say no to my impulses when I believe myself to be right and not react by verbally spewing. It’s difficult when I am surrounded by people who don’t look like me, think like me and may not even like me. If real life looked and sounded like movies, dramatic, inspiring music would be playing. When God's love is lived out in the hard spaces and places it is dramatic. It is powerful and it changes everything. Love is the greatest force and love wins. Every. Single. Time. 

What is love? Jesus. Every time we choose love in Christ, we look like Him. We say no to reflecting our surroundings and reflect who love is.

How do you live out a life of love? What experiences have you had in learning to love those “hard to love”? 

Becky on: Dec 17th, 2024 10:37am

Loving is hard, especially those who are a thorn in our sides. I haven't shown the love of Jesus to one person in particular. It's not that I haven't tried, but when even loving comments, care & concern are given, it isn't received positively, and it makes it even harder to love that person.

I pray that Jesus helps me to see this person through His eyes.