Love - Part 2

So here's the upside of Part 1. (Click to read if you haven't done so yet.) I just couldn't leave you hangin like that, ya know?

How You Can Find True Love..

So after Part 1, you might be wondering, well how do I do this? How do I find real, true love? What do I have to do to become more lovable, and perhaps not just in a romantic sense? Do I have to get rich? Improve my physical appearance? Well...seduced by advertising and the media, we often look to such goals as solutions. Of course it's natural and proper to care about how you look, but beauty - which is temporary at best - is not the cement to a lasting bond. Neither is money. What DOES help however, is showing unselfish love to others. Simply put, if you want to be loved, SHOW LOVE.

Here's another question. How can we show love? Most of you already know that you can do so by giving of yourself to others, but let's break it down a bit more. In his letter to the Corinthian congregation, Paul revealed that love is dynamic and that it is defined NOT by emotions, but primarily by what it does for others and by what it does not do. Take this verse for example. "Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of injury... It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Imagine how you feel when someone is kind to you or when s/he accepts you despite all the little irritating things you do or say. Isn't that a great feeling? Aren't you naturally drawn to people who are sincerely concerned about you, who are not easily angered, and who are forgiving and truthful even when forgiveness and honesty are not easy? Of course you are! So... ACT that way towards others. That's love. Remember the golden rule. All things that you want people to do to you, do to them.

It's not always easy to show love, but the effort is well worth it. Not only will you be more loved by your family, friends, husband/wive, or prospective marriage mate, but you will experience the happiness that comes from doing what it actually right - giving of yourself for others. I know it's a novel idea - doing what it right - but believe me, it actually does make you happy!!

You can also learn to love by imitating the highest authority on love. =) Here's a couple of things He tells us to do that will help us to love and be loved.

"Be swift about hearing, slow about speaking." A survey of more than 20,000 couples showed that the happiest people were those whose partners were good listeners. Communication is key in a relationship. An educator said, "If you want to feel alone in a relationship, be with someone who doesn't have a clue about what you're going through. Or worse, someone who does have a clue but cannot understand why your pain is a big deal." That is why the art of listening is not to be taken lightly. When listening, you learn and begin to actually hear other people's worries, concerns, interest, passions, etc. In turn, you will acknowledge that person's feelings and they'll reciprocate the action. Love is built.

"You are cramped for room in your own tender affections...Widen out." We benefit when we widen out in our love for others. People who have social support - satisfying relationships with family, friends, and their community - are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer. So meet new friends, take interest in other people, volunteer in your community. Show your care and concern for as many people as possible! By doing so, you are exercising the greatest quality. LOVE.

"Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works." We are undoubtedly influenced by our associates. So, by spending time with those who show genuine, Christian love, you will experience this quality first hand and learn how you can demonstrate it in your life.

So go out and spread the love around! Associate yourself with people who are full of love! It'll rub off on you! Become a better person! Care for others!! I promise that when you do so, you'll attract every sweet tenderoni out there! (Then you'll have a whole new issue to deal with. LOL.)

How else can we find true love? Any more ideas out there?

credit for ideas given to Awake! March 2006