Love In October

Love was the topic in our church for the whole month of October. It was a timely reminder. People, like me, oftentimes forget the true meaning of love. Of course, 1 Corinthians 13 is the main text for the love series. Love is such an abstract, intangible thing. I think the first definition of love I know was “Love is blind” because this was usually the answer of my classmates in the slumbook’s “What is Love?” question. :) I remember I once memorized the love chapter when I was in elementary as a requirement in one subject.

But really, what is love? I took note of the definition mentioned in one of the preachings… “Love is more than just a feeling. It is an unconditional commitment towards imperfect people to seek their highest good which oftentimes requires sacrifice.” Woahh! That’s a deep one. Let me share some of my learnings from the whole series, based on my notes…

1) Love is looooooooonnnnnnnnnggggg-suffering. This is how our pastor pronounced it…as in “looooooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggg-suffering” or in simpler term – patient!

2) Love does not seek its own (not selfish or self-seeking). I think some people often use this statement, “if you truly love me….you will blah, blah, blah”. Hello? Love is not selfish or self-seeking nga e. (kinda mataray tone!)

3) Love is not provoked. This one hit me bullseye! Our pastor’s example was something I could really relate to. It’s when you’re driving and someone cuts your way, what will you feel? Do you feel provoked? Oh my, I’m very guilty! Before I thought why some drivers (of jeepney, taxi, etc.) could not keep their “cool” when someone cuts their way. I thought, it’s just a matter of seconds, not a big deal. But wait, when I am the driver myself and someone cuts my way, it’s really a struggle to keep my “cool”. I am tempted to blow the car’s horn too loooonnnggg with matching flashing light and an “angry-look” on my face.

4) Love does not keep a record of wrongs. When someone cuts my way while I’m driving, I have the tendency to remember the plate number and other details of the car. All of a sudden I have photographic memory! My brain cells are working perfectly but I think my blood is simmering! Hehe :)

5) Loving is done without expectation of return. When we expect, oftentimes we will just be disappointed. So just love, love, love without expecting!

6) Love does not rejoices with evil but rejoices with the truth. I think it’s in the book of Proverbs where it says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love”. So speak the truth lovingly and gently.

7) Love bears all things. It’s loving the person for who he is (including the good and the bad in him). “You come loving not a perfect person but loving an imperfect person perfectly.” (I hope I got this quote right!)

That’s it! It all boils down to LOVE! :)