One of the most potent energies in the universe is love, yet it’s also one of the most misinterpreted. We hear about it all the time in movies, novels, and music. On holidays, we commemorate it and hope to locate it. However, the issue of what true love looks like still haunts many of us. Is it the initial butterflies in a relationship? Is this the type of love that enchants us? Or is it something more profound—something that manifests itself in both the broken and the beautiful moments? The reality is that true love is demonstrated in the low points as much as the highs. For more details we can talk about the author Joy Jenson who has written a book “breaking boundaries” which tells love is either tried or tested throughout the difficult certain points, the late-night sobs, the miscommunications, and the disappointments. And it’s through these encounters that we start to realize what true love is.
True Love Is Unwavering During a Storm
Valleys and mountaintops abound in life. A new job, an exciting relationship, or a prayer answered are all examples of mountaintop experiences. During those seasons, love is easy. But what if the relationship is strained, the job is lost, or the prayer seems to go unanswered? Real love is shown in life’s darkest moments. “I’m not going to leave just because it’s difficult,” it states. In situations where you lack the words, it sits next to you. Even though it could just go away, it decides to stay. It isn’t infatuation. That isn’t affection; that is conditional. The kind of love that reflects God’s heart for us is called covenant love. Nothing—not adversity, suffering, or failure—can keep us from God’s love, as the Bible reminds us in Romans 8:38–39. When exhibited in interpersonal relationships, that same type of love endures even in the face of uncertain situations.
True love is based on truth rather than perfection.
Love should always feel pleasant, according to a societal myth. It must not be genuine if something (or someone) doesn’t make you happy all the time. But love doesn’t operate that way. Real love isn’t about avoiding disagreements or always agreeing. Growth, honesty, and even correction are all possible in true love. It pushes us to improve without criticizing our current state. Consider how a parent feels about their child. Although they don’t always say “yes,” excellent parents always act in their children’s best interests. Likewise, the love of God is brimming with truth and grace. Jesus is said to be “full of grace and truth” (not just one or the other, but both) in John 1:14. In our relationships, whether with our spouses, friends, family, or even ourselves, true love entails having the grace to be honest with someone while yet showing them respect.
True love gains insight from setbacks.
As anyone who has experienced grief, betrayal, or profound disappointment knows, those times may be very confusing. However, something unexpected may occur in the aftermath: you start to see love more clearly. Perhaps it helped you learn how to establish appropriate boundaries. Perhaps it showed that you were looking for approval rather than affection. Or perhaps it demonstrated to you the depth to which God’s love can sustain you while others turn their backs on you. Pain has the ability to sharpen our perceptions. It enables us to cut through the imagination and reach the core. Additionally, we frequently discover what love is not in life’s valleys, which ultimately leads us to what love is.
Self-love is the first step toward true love.
The fact that God already loves us profoundly is among the greatest insights we may have. We must know this before we attempt to win someone else’s love, prove our value, or win their approval: We are valuable because we are His. Knowing that we are loved allows us to love others from a place of fullness rather than fear or desperation. Jesus commanded us to “love your neighbor as yourself” in Mark 12:31. It suggests that you have to value yourself first. Loving oneself means admitting that God is error-free, not arrogant. It involves embracing the person God made you to be, forgiving yourself for past transgressions, and taking good care of your bodily and mental well-being.
Real Love Is a Decision Every Day
Most importantly, love is a choice rather than merely an emotion. It’s a promise to remain the course even when feelings wane, to be nice when it’s difficult, to forgive when it’s difficult, and to show up. 1 Corinthians 13, also referred to as the “love chapter,” provides us with a clear illustration of what true love looks like: “Love is gentle, love is patient. It isn’t envious, arrogant, or filled with pride. It never fails to persevere, trust, hope, and protect. Love never fails. Corinthians 13:4–8 These qualities aren’t romantic or emotional. They are about decision-making, action, and reliability. They are about being present with dignity despite the chaos of life.
Developing Jesus-Style Love
Jesus is ultimately the greatest illustration of true love. He offered His life for others; He freely forgave; He served despite His exhaustion; and He loved people in their brokenness. To love like Him means to extend kindness in a world that is frequently cold, to forgive those who have wronged us, and to serve even when we receive nothing in return. Everything is altered by that type of love.
Conclusions
If you have experienced disappointment or heartbreak, don’t worry. Those moments don’t go to waste. They serve as opportunities for your soul to understand what true love is and is not. Despite its imperfections, true love remains dependable. It’s worth it, even though it’s not always simple. Furthermore, as you develop in grace, truth, and faith as you navigate life’s highs and lows, it’s something you become rather than just something you find.