We studied I John in Bible study. The pastor was teaching on the blessed assurance of salvation, but I found myself drawn to the scriptures on love, and I came to this conclusion: Love is hard.

I know all you romantic types are rolling your eyes, and calling me a cynic… But hear me out.

Love is not exhibited by what you say or how you feel. Love is about what you do.

God so loved… That He gave. He didn’t flatter humanity with flowery words. He sacrificed and gave of Himself.

Jesus said, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” And “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Have you read the Bible? That’s a lot of commandments!

And then there’s that famous scripture of I Corinthians 13. Love suffers long, bears, believes, hopes and endures all things. I’m exhausted from just typing it.

And yet everyday, I make the choice to love. I choose To give, to feed, to suffer, and the like. I love HARD (just ask my husband). So when it’s all said and done, I’m tired.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Because in the end, I know that love will not fail, even if people do.

Because God is love and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in Him. (I John 4:16-17)

Mama Radford