I Think I Love Too Hard

Have you ever found yourself feeling like you love too much or too hard? For me, I would dive into relationships, friendships or stewarding often without a guard. I’d pour my heart out, share my love and compassion, sometimes to the point of exhaustion or even hurt. There was half a decade there, where I was so broken from the rejection, I refused to put myself out there anymore, in the fear my heart couldn’t take another blow. But what if I told you that your capacity to love abundantly is a reflection of God's own infinite love for us?

We're called to love others as Christ has loved us (John 13:34-35). And let's be honest – Christ's love knows no bounds. It's extravagant, unconditional, and overflowing. So, when we find ourselves loving deeply, passionately, and sometimes to the point of vulnerability, we're simply tapping into the wellspring of God's boundless love within us.

But here's the catch – loving too much isn't really a problem. It's how we channel and steward that love that matters. Are we loving with God's love – sacrificial, patient, and forgiving? Or are we loving from a place of our own desires, seeking validation or approval? I… admit, that I sought validation and approval for a big part of my life. My family life growing up was broken, so I sought to feel valued and worthy of another’s love… Gah! I hate to say it, but I was self-seeking.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV), we're reminded of the characteristics of love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

When we love from a place of God's love, we embody these qualities. We become vessels of His grace, extending compassion and mercy to those around us. And even when our love feels overwhelming or unrequited, we can rest in the assurance that God's love never fails – it never runs dry, it never gives up.

So, if you find yourself feeling like you love too much, take heart. Your capacity to love abundantly is a gift from God, a reflection of His own limitless love for you. Embrace it, cherish it, and let it flow freely, knowing that in God's economy, there's no such thing as loving too much.

*Thank you for journeying with me once again. If you could take a moment to share this and encourage someone else today that would be amazing. Or leave a comment and let me know if you have ever felt you’ve loved too hard.

#OverflowingLove #GodsAbundantGrace #UnconditionalLove #LoveLikeJesus #EmbraceCompassion