True Love

When Valentines Day approaches I naturally think about true love. I knew I had found love when my sweetheart could tell me important things and I was no longer embarrassed, but grateful. “There is lipstick on your teeth,” he would say, or, “You’ve got a booger in your nose.” Normally, I might run from the room feeling imperfect and ashamed. Instead, true love can point out things that are helpful, and may save us from public humiliation.
I became brave enough to inform hubby, “Your zipper is down” instead of looking away. “Let me brush that dandruff from your jacket,” I asked with love. My older brother likes to point to a spot on our shirts, only to bop our noses when we look down. Always the prankster. These examples may seem mild, but I do think true love and friendship allow for a few corrections.
The danger is correcting or criticizing others to the point of being judgmental. Jesus explained this with my favorite hyperbole of all time. “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3. He continues to explain that if we judge others, we too shall be judged. We should remove our plank first. Perhaps we would see more clearly. Then, of course, Jesus saved a woman from being stoned by saying, “He who is without sin should cast the first stone.”
We see plenty of stone throwing on social media and newscasts. Perhaps it is little pebbles we toss when talking about church, work, or organizations. Those pebbles are not harmless. They sting and sometimes bruise reputations and feelings of worth. Do all those stone throwers believe they are without sin? Perhaps they do not see clearly because of the plank in their eye.
To love with a pure heart is our goal. Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” We can count on Jesus to tell it to us plainly with a challenge to follow.
You may remember times when someone saved you from embarrassment. Perhaps you had toilet paper trailing from your shoe when you left a public restroom, or you wore two different colors of socks that your spouse put together when doing laundry. I am grateful for times I was told my slip was showing, or a had a run in my pantyhose. Heaven forbid I should walk around looking like a clown (wink wink). Helpful looks very different than judgey.
I wish for everyone to have the comfort and care of true love. This love comes from God. Our mission is to love with compassion every chance we get. Not to point out faults, but to assist those in need: lovers, friends and enemies alike. The element of kindness must be present when we point to the specks of others.
My true love has saved me from many situations. My Savior has saved me from all my sins. In this I know that I am truly loved.