The Most Powerful Force in the World is Within You - Spiritual Nugget 34

The other day I was reviewing some of the posts on one of the social media sites. One showed a video of two puppies coming down a slide squeezed so tightly side-by-side they looked as if they were glued together. When they reached the bottom, they rubbed each other’s nose and then took off running across the grass together. Someone commented about how “true love makes you happy.”

In principle, I might agree with that. However, the bump in the road for me is how you interpret “true” love. Love has become such a catch-all phrase for many things. For example, “I love my car” or “I love my house.” “I love my bike.” “I love her hair.” “I love the way…” (fill-in-the-blank). The list is endless. At best, love, by today’s standards, is fueled by our emotions (sensual love), which can create fantasies about a person, place, or object. It is a surface love that eventually will dwindle or become distracted.

Even a BFF (best friend forever) love has its shortcomings when it comes to love. It focuses on shared interests and activities between two people and the mutual benefits of having each other as friends. It is still love based on human affections, but it lacks sustaining power to withstand the multiple pressures that interfere in relationships. Particularly vulnerable are marriage relationships or partner relationships initiated and sustained through sex. It is a shallow love and becomes a soul tie.

You might be thinking, “…and her point is?”

Well, my point only will be made if you do not believe humankind was created from a cosmic explosion, an amoeba, or other animals. If you believe any of these scientific theories, you probably will want to stop reading now.

Genuine true love has a root. It is placed in your heart and is part of you. It is the most powerful force on earth. This root is deeper than those of the famous Redwood trees. It is so powerful that put to the test, will give its life for the person it loves. (John 15:12-13) It is permanent and enduring. It is a Godly expression of infinite grace, and like God, it displays certain qualities and is impossible to capture with a single definition.

This powerful force is demonstrated when you:

• Look beyond the outward appearances of a person (facial and body features, culture, skin color, gender identification) into their heart and soul. (I Samuel 16:7) There is a colossal difference between loving and condemning. Only one can sit in the seat of the prosecuting judge. (Matthew 5:43-46; Luke 6:37)
• See people you come in contact with and yourself, as in the process of being shaped and molded to become what God wants them/you to be rather than who they are now. (John 8:7; Philippians 1:6; Romans 13:9-10)
• Bring value to a person’s life through encouragement. No one can tell you who you are or what your value is, since they did not create you, nor do they know God’s specific purpose for you. Encouragement to another, brings a blessing to you. (I Thessalonians 5:11- Romans 8:28)
• Show genuine interest in the life and well-being of people you connect with, especially those you meet for the first time. (Luke 10:25-37)
• Listen to people instead of talking; listening is an art, practice learning this skill. When you listen to someone, you will be surprised to learn that they want you to know who they really are. (Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19)

The power of love within each of us cannot be duplicated or surpassed. It occupies the inner part of our being. Its influence can conquer anger, guilt, bitterness, hatred, fear, envy, and a host of other dark emotions. But we must take responsibility for releasing this power.

If you are searching for that one-of-a-kind genuine love, be encouraged that your prize will come with your deep-rooted commitment to wait with expectation and anticipation for its arrival. The power within you will always be victorious. It will fulfill the desires of your heart.

---