What was it that millions of Americans witnessed on prime time television when the bachelor gave out the final rose? Was it true love or something else? Many people don’t understand what true love is really all about. Here are some thoughts that might help bring clarity to the greatest, yet most misunderstood and misapplied, word in the English language.
Think about the last wedding you attended. The young bride and groom are on the altar facing each other, hand in hand. Their sparkling eyes and glowing faces complement the flowing wedding gown and tux. The pastor stands before the excited and hopeful couple and says with confidence, “love is patient when you feel like being patient, love is kind when you feel like being kind…” Right? Of course not. He says “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”
In doing so, what is he really saying about love? He’s saying love is not just a feeling, it is a decision. Love is an act of the will to be patient, kind, gentle, humble, sincere, compassionate, giving, faithful and trusting, forgiving, uniting, and persevering. Love is all about serving and giving selflessly and sacrificially to another person. The best way to spell love? G-I-V-E. It’s not only looking to your own interests, but also looking to the interests of others. It’s doing what’s best for others no matter what it costs me personally.
Love says “I want what’s best for you! That is why I’m talking to you about this…that is why I’m doing this…that is why I’m making this decision…”
Love says “No longer will I live my life for me. I will think about self, less. I less, you more.”
Love says, “I’m choosing to be at my best even when you’re not at your best.”
Love says, “What I want isn’t important, but what you want is paramount.”
So, let’s get back to the question. Was it true love or something else that the Bachelor exhibited on television? Please share your comments with me.
