Puppies are cute, sweet, and make us smile. The same is true for puppy love — children or young people falling in love. We smile at puppy love, but we know it seldom lasts.

The problem: Puppy love depends on emotions alone — how do I feel?

• If you make me feel good, I love you.
• If you make me feel bad, I don’t love you.
• If we have fun, I love you.
• If we don’t have fun, I don’t love you.

As a result, young people may fall in and out of love several times.

Sadly many adults define love the same way.

The trouble with that thinking:

• Good feelings come and go.
• Life is not always fun.

True love – lasting love – means much more.

•  I choose to love you.
• I commit my life to you.
• I will do what is best for you.

That does not mean love is blind. It does mean:

• I accept that no one is perfect.
• I will work with you on our disagreements.
• I love you, even when I don’t like you or your actions.

In any relationship we sometimes feel on top of the world. Other times we feel like we are in a valley. True love says, “I will walk with you wherever the journey takes us.”

Love is a choice. Love is a verb.

Note:  If abuse occurs in a relationship, seek help and protection immediately.

“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” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

What do you think true love means? Please comment.

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