So this is LoVe? or is it Infatuation?? pt.1

I was asked, "What is the difference between LOVE and INFATUATION?"
Full of confidence I answered, "Well, you know, love can not be defined for what it is because it is different for all people. On the other hand, it can be defined by what we know that it is not. Thus, infatuation is everything that we know love is not."

The question was so prevalent that to fully show the significant difference it will take us going beyond the surface. In this three part series I will expose exactly what LOVE and INFATUATION is and just how easily we often confuse the two.

So this is Love?...

LOVE IS PATIENT.
The word patient explains to us that love endures situations that will bring forth pain, suffering and difficulty with calmness. Being patient in love means pressing forth together in the face of adversity. Being patient in love requires constant communication, understanding and an acceptance that God will lead the way.

LOVE IS KIND.
Kindness is an expression of generosity and warmness. Love is being agreeable with your partner, even if that means sometimes having to agree to disagree. Being kind in love means being gentle and tender with the life of another.

LOVE DOES NOT ENVY.
Love is not jealous or insecure in what it knows is rightfully theirs. Love is content with all that it possesses and it is joyous about the qualities of others. Love looks with thanksgiving at what is in its own hands and not at what is in their neighbors. Love does not envy because love knows that each of us have been purposely placed according to the will of God, so therefore, we have no cause to want the position or possessions of another.

LOVE DOES NOT BOAST.
Love needs not to brag of itself in a prideful manner. Love is silent confidence, it does not boast because love knows its self worth and value and is internally glorified in that alone. Love does not boast or become conceited because it does not need the approval of others.

LOVE IS NOT PROUD.
Love is not proud because it is not prideful. Love has the ability to be taught and has the desire to grow. Love is not arrogant because in our loftiness we are never higher than the One above. Love is humble and humbling. Remember, the meek shall inherit the earth.

LOVE IS NOT RUDE.
Love is gracious and not rough. Love listens to the God in others, young and old. Love allows compromise and its roots are planted firm in peace. Love respects order and civility. Love in its naked form is not cruel.

LOVE IS NOT SELF SEEKING.
Love is selfless and is not selfish. Love is putting the best interest of others before your own. It is courteous and thrives off of giving rather than receiving. Love is of the spirit and is not of the flesh. Love volunteers, love mentors, love donates, love does without expectation of a return.

LOVE IS NOT EASILY ANGERED.
Love commits to a resolve. Love adds and multiples as opposed to subtracting and dividing. It welcomes disagreements as opportunities to become closer. Love is not hostile or quick tempered. Love is accepting the other for who they were, who they are and who they are to come. Trying to change someone is where most of our anger exist.

LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.
Love forgives. Love knows that we are all human and are prone to making mistakes but walks under the teachings of Jesus. Love does not forget but it also does not throw the past into the present. Love looks forward in faith and not behind in fear. Love is honest about its imperfections so it does not judge others on theirs.

LOVE DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL BUT REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH.
Love loves righteousness and is motivated by being morally strong and good. Love is knowing that sin lives within us but choosing life over death. Love fights for a greater purpose beyond its own being. It lives, loves, speaks, and walks in reality. Love does not survive on falsities created in a realm of fantasy, it is honest.

LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS.
Love means praying fervently for one another because love guards the heart of others as well as itself. It also keeps their mates soul in tact. Love defends and assists in all areas. Love provides safety and comfort.

LOVE ALWAYS TRUSTS.
Love says what it means and means what it says. Love's yes is its yes and its no is its no. Love is not double minded or doubtful it is free of suspicions and assumptions. Love is not afraid to be led or walk into the unknown. Love is faithful and it is real.

LOVE ALWAYS HOPES.
Love is optimistic about its expectations of the future. It is a source of positive energies. Love sets goals and takes all necessary steps with confidence towards achieving them. Love is believing that God really does know the desires of our hearts and responds to the world accordingly. Love is having wholehearted assurance and faith.

LOVE ALWAYS PERSEVERES.
Love is persistent and diligent in the face of obstacles. Love stands firm and puts forth a constant effort towards the plan and purpose of God. Love does not give up, quit, or walk away. Love loves the development of its character and understands that learning is a life long process and love does not despise the process.

LOVE NEVER FAILS.
Above it all, love stands the test of time. Love is heaven sent and heaven bound. It is endless. It is perfection. Love is God.