The Journey to Love

2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. (English Standard Version)

Wow, just like that, it is February! This is the month the nation devotes to African American History and, of course, L-O-V-E.  

In 1984, the incomparable Tina Turner released a song which had everyone singing, humming, and asking each other, “What’s Love Got to do With It?”. The song was one of Ms. Turner’s biggest musical hits. Some may also remember that almost 10 years following the release of the hit song, we observed the life of Ms. Turner played out on the big screen in the movie with the same title. The acclaimed and extraordinary actress Angela Bassett gave us a glimpse into the turbulent and triumphant life of Ms. Turner on her journey to freedom and love. 

When I ask myself, “What love has to do with it?”, I am unable to do so without responding, “everything”. While I have heard that famous quote so many times, I am unsure who should be credited for the origin (certainly, not me). Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that love has everything to do with all facets of life. God, the creator of love, is the reason. All things in the world are here because of God’s infinite love. 

In thinking about love, I focus on a recent prayer I spoke, which was to become as loving as God and patient as Jesus. What a colossal ask, huh?  Well, this prayer stemmed from meditating on the Word of God in 2 Thessalonians 3:5. Adding this to my prayer has really taught me you must be careful what you pray for, truly. This is because God has consistently provided opportunities to strengthen both my love and patience. We will talk about my journey to patience at another time (smile).

In answering this prayer, God is forcing me to look in the mirror. By doing so, I am observing  things which are less desirable of someone with a goal to love.  These things sometimes cause me to display behaviors reflecting the total opposite of love.  As I mature in God, I am learning to give Him thanks for showing me the ugly and unloving truth about myself.  I thank Him because it means He is answering my prayer by showing me how my heart must shift on this journey to love. He loves me too much to allow me to stay the same.  

God truly uses all things to strengthen me on this journey. For example, days when everything seems to go right, I share wonderful laughs with my husband, my son listens, and all things fall into place I am learning to love. Simultaneously, days when nothing goes right, my husband and I disagree, my son has a tantrum, and little falls into place I am still on the journey to love. 

Love is everything!  It drives emotions and actions. Love guides. Love creates opportunities to make both easy and challenging decisions.  Love takes us to uncomfortable places. It causes us to do things we never thought we would or could do, such as offer an apology, even if our flesh is against it. Love is about what we say and do. As we enter this month, designated by the world for love, let us be reminded that love is about more than flowers, cards, and gifts.

Love has been researched and written about more times than I can imagine. There are numerous books on the topic. Perhaps, I will be Graciously, Empowered and Motivated by the Spirit (G.E.M.S) to share more about my journey to love. Of  course, only He knows. Until then, let the Spirit and the truth of the Word be our guide on this lifelong journey to love. Lastly, when we think about what love has to do with it, remember, the true answer is everything. 

Keep the faith,

Micara 

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