Standing on a choice

I used to be so walled up to being involved with people.

Until one day everything changed.

 

I had been getting over a relationship and suddenly, it all made sense.

For so long my mom had been telling me that love was a choice. It wasn’t just continuous sparks, and fuzzy warmth 24/7.

It was sacrificial. It was satisfying. 

It was hard. It was easy. It was selfless.

It was a choice.

It never made sense to me, especially sense I watched so many movies about people who have crazy passion for each other, with crazy romantic dates, and the pursuit that was so intriguing.

It caused me to believe that the moment in a relationship that sparks were gone, that it wasn’t meant to be. 

Now, obviously, you are led by the Holy Spirit's giving of peace. 

And the moment peace leaves. So do you.

I’ve barely skimmed the surface with knowledge of relationships concerning the opposite sex.

But, through this, I’ve learned that love is a choice. 

With everyone, not even just the opposite sex. 

With family, with friends, with everyone.

Not that you make after they’ve decided to love you.

Not after they’ve kissed you.

Not after they’ve bought you something nice.

Not after any of those things.

But before.

Before they choose you.

Before they reach out in vulnerability.

Before they show you their heart.

before anything.

If from the very beginning you chose to love them, no matter what they throw at you, you can stand boldly in love.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

That is true love.

When you make the choice to love, regardless.

Regardless of the circumstances.

When you make the choice to love, all of those attributes of love become attainable.

And then, when you choose to love, it is truly beautiful to be loved in return.