This is the day when most people talk about love and relationships, but I'm going to talk about idolatry and selfishness instead.
It is so easy today to get wrapped up in yourself, isn't it? The world constantly tells us that we should live for our own happiness, and if someone doesn't make you happy, you just cut them loose, right?
The world also tells us that we have rights, like the right to be right, and the right to be treated a certain way, the right to happiness and all that it entails. And if our rights are violated, the world tells us to keep score, keep lists, and seek revenge. What does this do to our hearts?
When we wallow in unforgiveness and bitterness, it hurts us more than it does others. In Proverbs 4:23, the Bible tells us to:
"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."When we are focused on our rights and our happiness, we become an idol to ourselves. In turn, our thoughts revolve around us and we become fixated on our appearance (are we thin enough? are our teeth white enough?) and what people think of us. When we are others-focused, we become dethroned and we will find what joy and contentment are really like.
And love? The Bible does not speak of a self-centered love, it speaks of a love that pours itself out. A sacrificial love.
What might that look like? Watch this video for an excellent example:
What a good word! and the video brought tears to my eyes! How beautiful! You are right, so often our love is conditional...what can my husband do for me to make me feel loved? I like how you say, "When we are focused on our rights and our happiness, we become an idol to ourselves. In turn, our thoughts revolve around us and we become fixated on our appearance (are we thin enough? are our teeth white enough?) and what people think of us. When we are others-focused, we become dethroned and we will find what joy and contentment are really like"...that is so true. Thanks for posting this, and the video. It's a great reminder, especially on this holiday.
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