“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”. Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)
When beginning a romantic relationship with someone, it’s common to feel that the other person is perfect. Everything they do seems cute and makes us like them even more. We are sure he’s the knight in shining armour; we are convinced she’s the woman of our dreams.
Over time we get to know someone well, with all of their flaws, baggage and issues. To make the relationship work, we learn to love correctly.
The world is full of people that strive for perfection in every area of their lives. Many who judge others look at themselves with the same unachievable demand for perfection. They are constantly on guard because they are sure that when people get to know them, they won’t like them. They have never learned to love unconditionally, so they can’t love and accept themselves.
If all we think about are people’s flaws and mistakes, we begin to equate the person with the imperfection. We stop noticing the beauty of people, how wonderful they truly are and the strengths and attributes that first attracted us to them.
Did you grow up without someone to tell you that you are amazing—just as you are? You can experience God’s love and know what it is to be loved correctly. God loves each of us unconditionally, with no strings attached. And when we experience His love, we are empowered to love like He does.