Destructive Love

I love the movie Becoming Jane. I love it because I believe it has profound truths to present. The movie is all about lost love. "Okay," you may be thinking, "there are plenty of movies about lost love, most of which involve death. Haha pleasant." But wait. Becoming Jane is not a retelling of Romeo and Juliet screaming "we can't have each other so lets just die!" In this portrayal, Jane Austen is wise enough to recognize the destructive potential of her relationship with Tom Lefroy. They love each other, but Jane protests that "a love that destroys your family will eventually destroy itself." Our culture is saturated with love. But it is a selfish and destructive love that considers only the present flutterings of the heart. It cares nothing for the feelings of others or of future results.

This love also refuses to be wise and acknowledge the red lights that are flashing ahead. In the popular Twilight series Bella Swan is faced with what seems like a choice between two romantic opportunities. Girls showing interest in the story claim to be either "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob". But I would claim to be neither. It is terribly distressing because both relationships are destructive. On the one hand we have the vampire who only shows interest in her because he can't read her mind and likes the way her blood smells. And on the other we have the loyal werewolf who cares for her but at the slightest loss of temper could kill her.

Our culture tells us that what we feel is more important than reason. But even when we do not get what we want we still have reason to live. In Becoming Jane, Jane Austen goes on to become one of the worlds most famous authors and Tom Lefroy becomes a Chief Justice in England. Perhaps it may have worked out for them to be together, but even with the choice that led them on separate paths, they lived meaningful and productive lives that blessed many. They chose to put others before their own desires and they both lived blessed lives. We are never told what would have happened had we chose different paths. But we can always be assured that when we put others first our lives will be full of meaning and purpose.

Cherry Blossoms, Puppies, and Bubble Gum

What do cherry blossoms, puppies, and bubble gum have in common? Well, nothing really I just like them. Why do I like them? I like them because they are shadows and glimpses of the love my Savior has for me. Now before you dismiss this post and decide to read something more intelligent, let me explain. It says in Psalm 107:43 "Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord." Throughout Scripture our God urges us to consider his love and mercy and how that will dictate how we live. So what is this love all about? What is it like? Although we will never be able to fully grasp how much God loves us, one way we can learn about his love is through his creation and the gifts he has given us. I believe God's love is like a cherry blossom; it is elegant and beautiful. Its simple grace flutters in the wind, and spreads its fragrance to all who draw near to it. I believe God's love is like a puppy. It's friendly, loyal, forgiving, and kind. No matter what you do he will always be there for you; you can never stray too far as to be untouchable by his love. I believe God's love is like bubble gum. He's fun! God is not some kill-joy up in heaven wanting to make our lives miserable. His love overflows with joy, fellowship, and adventure. Some Christians are afraid of the word happy, saying happiness is based on circumstances, and that we should talk about being joyful instead. I love joy; after all it's one of the fruit of the spirit. But if happiness is based on circumstances every true Christian has no excuse but to be happy! For we are loved by a God who's love surpasses all understanding. God's love is a beautiful and warm, and when we allow him to surround us with this love, there is nothing else to do but live our lives out of love for him. We love him because he first loved us. Let’s be wise, and spend our lives learning more about the love our Savior has for us.