Five Things Love Is Not

People talk about it and claim to fall into it but how many people actually know what love is? Love has been defined in many ways. I think love is best described as unconditional. It is complete and total acceptance. Love is to care with every fiber of your being. In some ways it is easier to describe what love is not rather than what it is.

Love is not selfish.

Love seeks not its own glory. Love is not self-centered. Love gives with a generous heart. It puts the needs of others before the self. Love is not self-serving. Love serves others with willingness and a glad heart. Love does not offer assistance and harbor resentment. Love does not smile through clenched teeth. Love does not wear a mask but bears its soul instead.

Love is not fickle.

Love does not profess its feelings with a lying tongue. Love does not exit the door of one lover and enter into another's. Love does not slip away in the shadows. Love does not hide its face but stands tall in the light. Love does not melt in the midst of temptation but stands steadfast. Love does not waiver in the midst of turmoil. Love is not fleeting. It is eternal. It crosses time and space and yet remains faithful.

Love is not domineering.

Love is gentle and tender. It does not demand. Love is equality and fairness. Love shares in the difficult times as well as the good times. Love does not seek greener pastures when the going gets tough. Love remains vigilant. Love is stoic. Love expects no more of another than it is willing to give of itself.

Love is not destructive.

Love does not tear down but instead builds up. Love nurtures and heals. Love does not destroy the self or any other. Love inspires and encourages. Love does not judge or condemn. Love seeks to uplift rather than bring down. Love does not weaken but strengthens. Love is not harsh but soothing. Love is a strong foundation to build upon.

Love is not unforgiving.