Every day you are the object of God's selfless, unconditional love.

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-12

Anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love—1 John 4:8.

Ever heard that old song about infatuation and marriage? The words go some­thing like, “Infatuation and marriage, infatuation and marriage—go together like a horse and carriage.”

If you’re hip to the sounds of golden oldies, right now you’re saying, “It’s not in­fatuation and marriage, it’s love and marriage.” And you’re correct. But in everyday life, loads of people get the two words mixed up. What’s the difference?

Infatuation has been defined as the emotional impulse of love, untested by time or circumstance. Since infatuation can lead to real love, sometimes it’s tough to tell the difference. The characteristics below, though, highlight the huge difference be­tween infatuation and true love. How does your love measure up?

Infatuation

Develops suddenly

Up and down emotionally

Fickle

Breaks up when irritated

Emphasizes looks

Gets

Based on my feelings

Self-centered

Physical first

Expects to find happiness

Asks,"How am I doing?"

Focuses on the other's performance

Possessive

Idealizes the other person

Avoids problems

True Love

Grows with time

Consistent

Faithful

Does not panic when problems arise

Emphasizes character

Gives

Based on the other's needs

Self-controlled

Spiritual first

Expects to work at happiness

Asks. "How are you doing?"

Unconditionally accepts the other

Allows the other to relate to others

Realistic about strengths and weaknesses

Works through problems

REFLECT: Are your attitudes toward the opposite sex more like infatuation­ or like real love?Do those characteristics of true love remind you of someone? They should, be­cause they reflect the characteristics of God’s love for you. You are the object of that selfless, unconditional love every day. And when you start to live out those traits in your relationships, you mirror God’s love.

PRAY: Ask God to help you express his love to others every day.