Relationships | "Dear Love" : Is it Love or Lust?

In this season of love it's easy to get caught up in lust and not love. I figured we needed a refresher on just what/who love is? The truth is I've been oppressed by the spirit of lust at one time in my life. Sadly, I didn't even know it. The enemy loves when we are unaware and lacking self-awareness. I'd see someone else with a thing and think I want that for myself. Not that I wanted what God had for me but exactly what they had. Not only that, I wanted them to give it to me. The audacity! I was a taker, even when I gave I'd later find I'd end up taking back what I gave. Maybe not right away but eventually. Lord Jesus, I was ratchet, a wretch okay!! The unfortunate thing was I had no clue I was operating in the spirit of lust, and that's just one example. I'll be even more transparent to say, I didn't only do this with strangers, and friends but with loved ones. When God called me into the wilderness the first thing He told me was I want you to see yourself. What I saw, I didn't like. I tried my best to disconnect from that person. I even asked my family not to call me by my nickname because it reminded me of that version of me. Later I'd learn I needed to forgive her for what she didn't know at that time and love her unconditionally because God has this same kind of love for us. Despite her lack of self-awareness, she is/was worthy then and now. I really had no clue just how ugly my ways were. I was ignorant. What God revealed to me is ignorance is not evil, knowing better and not doing better is. So before we go any further, take a moment and reflect on those aspects of you that may not be so pretty, look closely, and give them a hug. They deserve your forgiveness and acceptance. If we intend to love another unconditionally we must first start with the self.

Unconditional Love

So many times throughout Scriptures we see God loved the children of Israel despite their wickedness. He always sought to bring them restoration and redemption because He loved them unconditionally. His intent was to bring His people out of darkness. What you may not know is, that's exactly what we are living in when we do not know ourselves. Many are quick to shun their shadow without understanding why they have one in the first place. God isn't only interested in knowing what's "good" about you. He already knows what's "bad." He's just waiting on your confession. Remember Yah lives in your heart so surely He knows what's in it. You can lie to man but you cannot lie to God. It's when we deny our imperfections that we're in pride and considered a liar before Him. Who does that sound like? A certain angel who fell from grace, eh! I believe God would have given satan a second chance had he confessed and repented but he was in pride therefore forgiveness was not granted. Even then God gave Lucifer a place for him and the angels who rebelled. Do you see just how gracious God is?! That He wouldn't utterly destroy what sought to kill Him and take over His kingdom. Sounds like another Biblical story, that of king David and his son Absalom. In fact, it's the same storyline. Even David forgave his son and showed mercy which he took as weakness and tried to steal the kingdom from him. Needless to say it didn't work but you get the picture. God continues to show us throughout scripture just how deep his love is for us and how He loves us unconditionally. The reason it's so important that we share with God our weaknesses is because in our weakness He is made strong. Here is when He is able to use our shortcomings for His glory. Yahweh is always seeking out whom He may use. Why not you?

Final Thoughts | Is it Love or Lust?

I think a sure sign to know if you're operating out of love is just how patient you are with others and yourself. I recall in past times being very quick to judge and cancel anyone and anything that did not agree with me. I was unforgiving and impatient. It's easy for us to give up at the slightest inconvenience but it takes work to stay and figure it out. We each are growing daily. If we judge based on one thing, we could totally miss out on a blessing sent from God. Lust is impatient. It wants what it wants right now. This could be because if you took your time to see who they really are you would run for the hills. When we're quick to attach, we try to skip the process. Love doesn't mind taking the stairs. So ask yourself, is it love or lust?

La'Tara Jackson is Author/Owner of Ground Up Self-Love Workbook and .com, and Holistic Coach both certified in personal training and yoga. She has over eight years experience in nutrition and wellness and it all began with being a single mom desiring a better life for herself and children by starting a woman's community bootcamp that would go on to change the lives of many. And that was just the beginning.

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