The Infamous Love

   Too often, I have interacted with people who tell me they are "falling in love." At one point, I was a clumsy fool for love myself, yearning for affection and holding on to false hopes of commitment. However, the wiser I become, I realize that the feeling of "falling in love" is a vicious myth. I use the term "vicious" because the myth has led and continues to lead so many beings to destruction. Yes, they have fallen, but it is into a trap rather than a joyous feeling.
   Since early human civilization, people have been most vulnerable to eros, or "intimate love" (aka lust). With raging hormones, youth worldwide have fallen prey to lust and in result- fornication. Even middle-aged people continue to take part in promiscuity and other sexual sins because they have a warped vision of love. Pagan views have unfortunately shaped minds of non-Christians and Christians to believe that fornication is hardly unavoidable. The world declares that love is an accident, but how can it be? If one loves another who does not reciprocate the feeling, then that theory falls apart. It takes two to 'fall in love", right? There has to be a deeper component than simple happenstance or burning desire.
   Love, as described in the Bible, is never founded upon a physical feeling or freak accident. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 is a well-known passage in the Bible and paints a vivid portrait of what love truly looks like. To sum it up: love is patient, kind, truthful, does not envy, suffers all, gives all, and forgives all. Apparently, in order to love, we must choose to do so. None of the aforementioned characteristics can be stumbled upon; one must put forth persistent effort. (God never said love was easy!) If these things do not describe your relationship with that hot girl/guy you met months ago, then you do NOT have love- you have a problem. Do not be fooled by your deceitful heart (Jer 17:9), but let God give you direction. There is no need to fall and get hurt when you want to walk upright. God knows your needs and will certainly supply all the love you need, spiritually and physically. He is your first REAL love and is enraptured by you, so let Him be there for you!