Loving someone can be instantaneous like the blink of an eye, while loving others is more of a journey that is filled with joy, challenges, and growth. When I was pregnant with both of my children, the love for them was instantaneous. There was no waiting to see what they were going to be like, or how they were going to treat me. There was no wondering if they were going to love me back or if they were even going to like me. None of that mattered to me because in my heart, I already loved them unconditionally.
Now, with my husband Joe, it was definitely a journey – lol. When Joe and I first met, he had no interest in dating me. He was not looking for a relationship and thought it was best to just be friends. As time grew, both of our hearts began to change. I don’t think I would have called it love, but we both had a deep affection for each other. Now I know some of you are reading this and wondering how we could have affection for each other but not love. Well, that is simple because other than our children, I do not believe Joe or I truly understood what love was or how to love others completely and unconditionally until God entered our lives.
Both Joe and I had come out of marriages that left us feeling unloved and unwanted. We both ended up straying from our walk with God. Feeling alone in the world, neither one of us could fully grasp the love that God had for us or the love that He was trying to pour into us. We were closed off and unwilling to surrender, which left us empty and shallow. We were incapable of fully loving ourselves, loving others, or receiving love.
Thankfully, as our relationship with God grew and deepened so did our understanding of His love and what it truly meant to love. God showed us that His love for us was unconditional and full of abundance. Trust me when I tell you that when you feel that kind of love, you want to share it with others. God, through His love for us, was also washing away all our past hurts and fears, allowing Joe and I to build a foundation that was based on trust, respect and understanding.
In the earlier days of our walk, Joe and I understood that love was patient and kind, that it was compassionate and understanding, which we thought was good enough for us. We knew that we could be that for each other. However, it was not until God showed us both all the things that love was not, that our love really began to flourish. Remember when I said that mine and Joe’s love was a journey? A journey full of joy, challenges and growth? Well, there were a lot of things that we were doing wrong along the way. I held onto a lot of bitterness and resentment. Joe at times dishonored me and could be self-seeking. And both of us had no problem getting angry with each other and keeping a record of wrongdoing. Once we had a full grasp of what we were doing wrong, we were able to turn to God and ask for help in correcting our course which helped us strengthen our foundation.
Soon Joe and I were experiencing a deeper connection with one another. Our communication improved, allowing us to openly express our feelings, desires, and concerns without fear of being judged. We were able to lovingly admonish each other without causing an offense or a huge argument. We embraced each other’s flaws and were thankful for our individual uniqueness, no longer trying to be what we thought the other person wanted or expected. We truly understood the importance of compromise and that every relationship requires effort and dedication to thrive. The support we had for each other grew with each day.
None of this could have become possible, if God had not loved us first. Through His love, He has shown us what unconditional love truly is. He embraces us despite our flaws, mistakes or shortcomings. He is merciful, forgiving and shows us an abundance of love. He provides us wisdom, guidance, and inspiration which helps teach us how to be more like Him.
As I look at my relationship with God, I am so thankful that He has shown me what love is and how I am truly loved by Him. I grateful that He has taught me to love myself which allows me to love others. Without God’s love, mine and Joe’s relationship would not have been built on a solid foundation. God has brought us so far in the past couple of years. I am thankful to call Joe my partner in life and my best friend. I am thankful that I get to spend my days with him, experiencing the journey of love together.
How does understanding of God’s love impact your ability to love yourself and others? How can you respond to God’s love in our own lives? Is there someone in your life you find difficult to love? How might God’s love help you bridge that gap? Please share in the comments.

Welcome, I'm
Marisa
Claudine
Join me as I share with you my authentic and heart-warming conversations with Jesus and the percolating thoughts that bubble up from each talk I have with Him. I will share real life struggles, reflections on faith and the hope and comfort that is found in Jesus.
Love,
Marisa Claudine