encouragement.

So, I know this guy, and I think He would be the PERFECT person for you to have a relationship with. He is SO patient, it’s unreal. He puts up with people going back and forth, trying to decide if they want to stay with him or not. He stops what he’s doing to notice people, even the ones who aren’t as “important” compared to the world’s standards. He’s always so kind. He’s never jealous of what other people have, and when He has every right to be cocky about something he has done, he doesn’t boast or showoff. He chooses humility, he drops his pride. He doesn’t dishonor others, it’s not in his nature. He is never self-seeking, you’ll always find him going out of his way to serve others. He’s not easily angered, he always extends grace—never keeping a record of who has wronged him. He doesn’t delight in evil, it breaks his heart. But the truth? Oh, how he rejoices in it! He’s always looking out to protect, to keep people safe from harm. He is always hoping for the best, though you’ll find he has been through the very worst. He always perseveres—though darkness tries to overtake him, he rises victorious.

What’s his name? I’m so glad you asked…it’s the sweetest name I know. Jesus.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

There is no greater picture of love than the life of Jesus. From his first cry, He was set apart—sent to redeem mankind, with the only thing that could ever make us whole; love. Sacrificial, unconditional, redeeming love. He lived his life so backwards to what makes sense in the world’s eyes. He said the least will be greatest, that the last would be first. That’s how he lived his life. The greatest, becoming the least. Giving it all for us. His life for ours. So we could live eternally, and so we could make much of his name here on earth. What love is this? The truest to ever exist.

There is no fear in love, friends—and the beauty here is that we can go to the feet of perfect love, Jesus, just as we are. Broken hearted and all. He knows how to handle our broken pieces, he’s the one that can finally fix them. If you’re looking for love, the search is over. He already loves you more than you could know, it’s just waiting for you to accept it, to accept him. Let him love you, friend. It’s what you were created for. It’s who you are, loved—sacrificially, unconditionally.