Exploring this LOVE Thang: Part 2

Exploring this LOVE thang has been no joke. One reason is because there is so little written on the subject of love that does not specifically target romance. Now don't get me wrong, romance is important, but this LOVE thang must transcend candle-lit dinners and date nights. This love thang only works if it can be applied to all types of relationships. Truthfully, most of us don't need much help on how to operate with individuals we have a fondness for, that somehow just comes naturally. I've found most of us need the greatest attitude overhaul in the relationships that require the most, but benefit us the least.

Where then do we begin? If you did not read Part 1 of "Exploring this LOVE Thang" you should probably do so before reading Part 2 as it will save me from having to recap. In case you're lazy and not going to read it, let me summarize. Love God and love yourself first. How you love others is a reflection of the value and security you place in God and self.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives some very clear-cut characteristics regarding love that I believe are esssential to delineate and define in our exploration. I will use this blog and Part 3 as an opportuinity for doing so. Now as I define some of these, some of you inherrently are going to begin to underscrore in your mind the characteristics you feel you have mastered. There's nothing wrong with that. I, however will caution you to refrain from percentage scoring."I have 85% of the characteristics so I'm good." Naw homie, it doesn't work like that. Think of this LOVE thang like a car. Love is the body of the car. The characteristics are the essential parts to make it run. Without any 1 part, the car cannot fulfill its purpose. Lacking in any of these areas causes one's love to be as weak as pre-sweetened kool-aid. You got it?

Last thing, then I think we're ready to dive in. When you read 1 Corithians 13 it is important to note that it is talking about love-not you. What do I mean? This chapter refers to love's response, responsibility, and impact. God is not asking you to be a door mat or accept abuse but rather speaking to how your love should respond in any given situation.

The Characteristics

1) Love suffers long and is kind (verse 4)

The key word to focus on is kind. Suffering long is merely a no escape clause. In other words in the good and bad times love's response is one of kindness. Kindness is the free giving of oneself to another regardless of their merit. Kindness gives because it sees a need and has the ability to meet that need.

2) Love does not envy, does not parade itself, is not puffed up (verse 4)

You will inevitably love someone who does not love you at all or to the degree you love them. Do not become envious (pursuing receiprocation from them or others. Love must be given not stolen), parade your love (hold others hostage by letting them know how much you and how little they love) and puffed up (feel a sense of entitlement because of your love).

3) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil (verse 5)

Ever been in a heated disagreement or offended and your goal was to slice and dice, kill and conquer, humiliate the offending or opposing person? Well, verse 5 says that ain't love. Don't do it. No matter how good it makes you feel afterwards.

Woah! Part 2 was not only lengthy but meaty. I hope you're like me-not just determined to explore this LOVE thang but master it.