Thursday, August 2, 2012

Share the Love

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When I see things like this, they make me feel uneasy. Read it closely. Do you notice something?

It's all about you.

Be with the one that makes YOU happy.
The one that makes YOU smile.
That one that makes YOU laugh.

...

As long as YOU are happy
That is what you should do.

All of these things are great. You should be with someone who makes you happy, and smile, and laugh, etc. But is that all there is to love?



I can think of a ton of people who make me happy sometimes, or make me smile, or laugh, and all of that. Doesn't mean that's who I should be with, however.

The thing is... love isn't all about you.

I have found the paradox. If you love until it hurts there is no more hurt, only love. - Mother Theresa

Love isn't really love until it's not about you.

It's about the other person. Whether it be a romantic relationship, friendship, family, whatever. It's no longer about you and what you want. What do they want? What do they need?

We know what true love looks like because of Jesus. He gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives for our brothers and sisters. This is a portrait of true love. - 1 John 3:16, The Voice

Isn't this universal of how we learn what loving other people is? When we receive it ourselves and see how others love one another? We see how other people care for one another and put their selfishness behind them.

Think about it. When we see selfless acts of love, something in us stirs. Stories where someone gives up their lives and own needs for the sake of someone else are the most loved and cherished. There is something so beautiful and noble about putting yourself aside for someone we care about.

Love isn't meant to be hidden away and put into a corner. It isn't mean to be for one person alone.

It's supposed to be shared.

So how do you share the love?

The way I see it, it's a way of life. It's simply part of who you are.

Loving others isn't about how many mission trips you go on, how much food you donate to homeless shelters, or how often you do charity work.While yeah, those can all be part of loving others, but that's not all there is.

How many times have you seen someone who has a list a mile long of charitable things they have done, but they look down on others or when someone is in need they just walk right by?

Sharing the love is about holding the door open for someone when their arms are full.
Sharing the love is about lending an open ear when a friend needs someone to vent to.
Sharing the love is doing the dishes without having to be asked.
Sharing the love is putting aside your anger for the moment and standing by their side anyway.
Sharing the love is agreeing to go eat somewhere that you rather wouldn't go.
Sharing the love is letting them borrow your iPod.


So, how do you share the love?
Email me your posts or tell me about it in the comments!
lovewokemeupthismorning@gmail.com

6 comments:

  1. Love this post. Love it. I sometimes worry I take for granted my love.

    Sarah
    http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. And this is why I love you and your blog... at first I read the little picture and was like... wow I am surprised she is posting this... it's ALL wrong and selfish! And of course I read on and I was like EXACTLY!! It is such a bad message, and the world gives it a lot. I believe that is the reason this world hurts, they try to love but don't understand that selflessness is how you obtain it. You make me smile :) Thanks for sharing! I am going to share this post.

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  3. Excellent post, I agree with all you've said. I don't like those sentimental poem things either, although I hadn't really considered how self-focused they are until now - knew there was a reason I didn't like them! Thanks for sharing the Adam Sandler song too, love that bit in The Wedding Singer :)

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    1. YES! I was hoping someone would like the Wedding Singer nod!

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