Throughout time there have been artists, writers, musicians, orators, and a multitude of others skilled in various disciplines all gripped with how to express ‘what love is’ through their craft.
There is no way to count how many times love has attempted to be defined, described and depicted.
In many languages, multiple words are even needed to describe the different nuances of love that exist.
With all this effort, one would expect more love to be in the world.
We’ve heard “Light” can be defined as “the absence of darkness,”’ but can “Love” be possibly clarified a little bit clearer by describing what it is not?
Just like sports are far less frustrating to play when foul lines and goal lines are clearly defined up front, can love can be less frustrating when it’s clearer what it is and what it’s not?
Ready to try? Here goes:
Using one of the most inspiring “Love Lists” (1 Cor 13), let’s consider the antithesis of love by stating clearly what love isn’t.
“Love isn’t impatient”… don’t think you are showing love to someone that you are impatient with.
“Love isn’t unkind”… don’t think you are showing love to someone when you are unkind to them!
“Love doesn’t brag”… don’t think you are showing love to someone when you brag to them about yourself!
“Love isn’t prideful”… don’t think you are showing love to someone that you put down beneath yourself!
“Love isn’t selfish”… don’t think you are showing love to someone when you put your needs ahead of theirs!
“Love doesn’t get upset” … don’t think you are showing love to someone when you are mean to them!
“Love doesn’t count wrongs”… don’t think you are showing love to someone when you hold grudges against!
“Love is not happy when evil prevails”… don’t think you are showing love to someone you feel ‘gets what they deserve’ when bad things happen to them!
“Love is never untrusting”… don’t think you are showing love to someone when you keep doubting them!
“Love is never pessimistic”… don’t think you are showing love to someone that you have given up on!
“Love is never weak”… don’t think you are showing love to someone when you keep falling in and out of love with them!
“Love never ends”… don’t think you lovED someone, but don’t still love them now!
WOW, WHAT AN ANTI-LOVE LIST!!
Do these anti-definitions trim the fat from the steak or what?
I know this challenges me to make sure my actions and reactions line up on the outside with what I honestly feel on the inside! How about you?
For people who have ‘never tasted chocolate before,’ we could set up a three day conference and talk to them all day long about what it tastes like… when all we really need to do is let them taste it for themselves!
Likewise, it is actually ‘by being loved that people learn what love is’… assuming they don’t take the effort for granted or ignore it.
Hopefully this list exposes what love isn’t in a fresh way, which may help us all love better, and possibly help people who are not loved like they should be right now–recognize and remember the difference!
As always our Heavenly Father, who is the only one who perfectly personifies what real love is…
Stands with His arms open wide to pour out His love on us like only He can!
What are you waiting for? Run into His open arms right now and love Him back!
