Love Wins

I read a heartwarming story of a young man with cerebral palsy. His mom stated that some days are more challenging than others. This particular day was a good day as she took her son grocery shopping. He smiled happily throughout the store. The cashier noticed how he was enjoying his shopping experience so she brought him behind the counter with her to checkout his mom’s groceries. He was so happy. He went home and told his family all about it. His mom was so grateful that this cashier took special time with her son and gave him this great experience. She said love wins.

The cashier displayed a love that would make many of us uncomfortable. She thought of this young man first over the (maybe) disgruntled looks from others as they impatiently waited in line. But what an example she was to all those around. And what a positive imprint she placed upon that boy’s life. Love wins.

Love comes in an assortment of colors although they all originate from the heart. Just like that box of 64 assorted Crayola crayons all come from the same box. Our heart is that big. Even bigger.

There are so many types, and depths, of love. Loving God must be first and foremost. God says to love yourself. That’s something I’m just discovering on a deeper level. I have always thought it was selfish. But in order to truly love others you need to love yourself. Therefore, you need to become a person you can love. It takes work, compassion, patience, and a whole lotta love to love yourself. We often let ourselves down and we carry a boatload of guilt (I did). We believe we are unworthy of God’s love, self love, and love from others. But don’t believe that lie like I did for many years. Love wins.

I have a scarred heart as a reminder that love often hurts. I have had to rise above great pain. Through the agonizing healing process, I discovered I didn’t love myself as I should because I allowed myself to be beaten down. The softer part of my heart believed the subtle lies presented to me of my unworthiness. Even to the point where I questioned my existence. But ultimately love won that battle. It was a rough road but love wins through perseverance.

Evil is powerful, yes. And it scares us. It is presented to us in numerous forms. But love is even more powerful. God sent His Son to this earth for our salvation. In life or death, love always wins. Jesus overcame the evil. His love poured out onto the ground because of us, but more importantly, for us. Love will always prevail.

When I think of love, I think of Galatians 5:22, 23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Love is the first named fruit, but love encompasses each of those attributes. Each is rooted in love. Love for others or love for self. Love is the greatest of all. Love wins.

I saw the word “love” written in stone last week. (I should have taken a picture of it.) When you think about it, love is written in stone. God designed the foundation of the earth upon love. Through the test of time, it is love that has prevailed. It is strong and durable and pure like the white rock I saw it written in. Jesus was sent because of love. And love is the reason we are here.

Love. Lots to think about. It encompasses so very much in our daily life. No act of love is too small. It is all greatness in God’s eyes.

Love opens doors to places you never dreamed possible. Don’t be afraid to love. Because love, true love…always wins. ♥️

Andi

Photos: internet photos except for the rock heart. That one is mine. 🙂