True love is not merely a feeling that comes and goes, but a work of the heart that chooses the good even when it is not rewarded.
The world often speaks of love as what we receive from others: being understood, appreciated, and sought after. But Christ reveals a higher love: the love that gives, endures, forgives, and remains even when it receives nothing in return.
A loving heart does not always ask, “What will I receive?” but rather, “What can I give?” It does not seek its own benefit above all else, but the good of the other. This love is not born from human strength alone, for perfect love is the gift of God working within the soul.
Sometimes God allows us to encounter difficult people precisely to show us how much we still need to grow in love. Those who are easy to love do not always reveal the depths of our heart; those who test us show us where healing is still needed.
Do not wait until you always feel love before doing good. Sometimes the good deed comes before the feeling, and the heart is warmed after it begins to give. Pray for those whom you find difficult to love, bless them, and ask God to give you a heart like His.
For the inner man grows not when everyone loves him, but when he learns to love as Christ loves.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
