It has been said that loving someone means you would be willing to die for them. We have all probably had close family members where we be willing to do this, especially if you have children. This ultimate selfless act of love would show how much they mean to you. In marriage, vows are exchanged “until death do us part” showing the commitment of love over a lifetime, as we age together until we pass. Each of us wants to pass from this world, in the company of someone who has a deep love for us. Another unique characteristic of true love is you will love that person, no matter what. This kind of love is able to separate the person from their actions or situations, so that you can come alongside them to help. You may hate what they did, or their situation, but you will still be there in love. This does not mean there won’t be consequences, but does mean you will be there and will be honest with them telling them the truth in love and guiding them back to a better place.

Somewhere between being willing to die for someone, and our normal day to day living, too many times we lose focus and don’t do what is best for our loved one. This can leave us and our loved ones scarred. If we love them, and would die for them, then surely we would try to repair the damage, and even better treat them with love and respect going forward. Think about this the next time you argue with your parents, or are angry with your significant other. If you model bad behavior in front of your children, remember they will likely become that kind of parent. Even if you and your children’s other parent are no longer together, you need to swallow your pride and find a common ground for co-parenting. In all these cases, you can’t start over and have a new beginning, but you can start now and create a new ending.

God made each of us how we are. He doesn’t make junk. In today’s world, you see people trying to put boundaries around love: Age differences, sexual orientation, fat vs. thin, beauty vs. plain, money vs. none, race differences, etc. If we are to love everyone: our neighbors, even our enemies, then we need to respect how other people love one another. I will always love and respect people, regardless of who they love. All of us deserve loving support from each other.

Regardless of your situation, you are loved and never alone. Remember love is being willing to die for someone. Love is separating loving the person no matter what, from their actions or situation. Love is coming alongside them to help them, but to also speak the truth in love. We all do have a Father in heaven that truly loves us and does all of those things, so much so that His son died for us so we can be forgiven. Now that is true love, and we can all strive to be like that to our loved ones, and glorify Him.