“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. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 NIV
Aside from a lingering intellectual question I’ve had pertaining to whether the bible was actually written by God and actually meant to help us, I can readily agree with the biblical definition of love, which portrays the act as selfless, sacrificial, and benevolent ~ an unconditional commitment to the well-being of others, and an example of God’s own nature and intention toward us.
“Often described as agape (divine, unconditional love) or chesed (steadfast, loyal love), it is characterized by patience, kindness, and actions, rather than mere emotion.” (Google)
My Testimony:
Throughout my life, I felt a profound conviction to make sacrifices and changes and overcome resentment I harbored toward my mother ~ who was also a beloved child of God ~ and deliver the message of love to her ~ not only with words, but by sincere, heartfelt actions that were, at times, actually quite difficult for me and required steadfast faith and “overcoming”.
I had to be consistent in my fight with the one who ~ with crafty tactics and convincing temptations ~ wanted nothing more than for me to remain bitter, angry, and resentful toward my mother and, in fact, in general.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
This would not only have been unsafe for my spirit, but for my health, and for that of my dear mother, who had sustained abuse herself.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
But, by the amazing grace of God, we had our victory.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
Through the same steadfast faith and perseverance, I was able to care tenderly for my mother ~ who, I came to realize, loved me, too ~ up until the day of her death. I was even able to, by the grace of God, let her know she was forgiven and loved by God Himself.
It took a whole lotta trust and a powerful fight to be able to deliver this message to someone who hurt me, as ~ even though I had chosen the path of love and forgiveness intellectually ~ in my fragile humanness, I still had hurt in my heart. I grew to accept both, heartache and love could exist simultaneously, and would not allow any residual pain and bitterness to lead my path.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
The Outcome:
On her deathbed, I was able to let my mother know she was loved and not forsaken, that I would be ok, and let her go to the Lord with peace in my heart.
“I will boast in the LORD” Psalm 34:2
My Prayer:
I hope this testimony helps someone today remain steadfast in their fight and persevere through healing ~ of heart, mind, and spirit ~ with unwavering, steadfast faith and a humble willingness to forgive, love tenderly, with compassion, and experience true, enduring love. A love only God could have created. A love only God could have defined for us. A love that never fails. Guess that answers my question.
Next Week: The Transition
