Author: Saraya Lyons

Love is diverse. It can be between a parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, brother and sister, husband and wife, friends, and even strangers. It has no bounds.

Of course, we love because God first loved us according to His word. We were literally created to be loved! I’m still wrapping my head around that one.

I was not created to be a worshipper first, or a servant first, or a repenter first. No, my first purpose given to me by my creator is to be loved. How hard is that? Apparently, it can be very hard.

I know many people, including myself, feel a guilt to prove their worthy, to prove they can be a contributor, talented, and a good person. But it isn’t necessary, nor is it even possible. Not because we aren’t a contributor, aren’t talented, or don’t do some good things (is anyone really good? I don’t believe so inherently, you need Jesus to wash your sins away with his Death on the cross and his resurrection to be without blame. I know I do.). But because love cannot be earned. It is a choice and that is not a small thing .

Love your kids, even when they are screaming their heads off in the middle of the store. Love your mom even when she gets on your nerves. Love your boss even when they don’t seem fair. Love your spouse even when you want to scream. Love yourself. Love your family, friends; the easy ones.

But we are also called to love our neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies.

This does not mean, in my opinion, that you have to be a doormat, suffer abuse, or keep these people in your life. I believe it means to pray for them, help them when they need it (as long as it is safe for you to do so) and have genuine compassion. Forgive and take the healthy next step when you are wronged. Because flesh and blood are not our enemies anyway. Powers and principalities of the dark are.

Everyone struggles. Everyone. We are all attacked with things like thoughts of not being good enough, lies, illnesses, depression, anxiety, and more. Try to remember that we all need compassion and empathy and forgiveness.

I know it’s hard, but we weren’t called to live an easy life. Why would we want to? There are a few things in my life I would have preferred to not go through, but in all things God works for the good To those who LOVE Him, who have been called according to His purpose [Romans 8:28]. So I know that I am stronger because I have gone through different things in life and can help others who have too.

To all my single friends out there, I know it can be hard. I have a lot of experience with being single lol, and I have to say, it isn’t always bad. But if you are feeling the blues, just know that while having a partner would be a blessing, God created you to be LOVED by HIM. That is your first purpose for being alive. Everything else follows.

I love you. I pray you meet your person when you’re ready and they are too.

And here’s a free coloring page card if you want to show someone you love a physical representation of it! Just print, color, and cut.