“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Understanding Love
Understanding love can be challenging. Sometimes, we find ourselves feeling confused about love, especially when it comes to our relationships with others and God. We have to remember that love is not just a feeling but also an action. True love, as taught in the Bible, is selfless and unconditional. We should strive to understand the essence of love based on the teachings of Jesus, who showed us that love means putting others first. The Scriptures provide a wonderful guide to help us navigate the complexities of confused love through the lens of God’s word. As children of God, we are likely to encounter situations that lead to confusion in our hearts, but through prayer and reflection on these verses, we can gain clarity.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
John 4:8
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – John 4:8
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Confusions in Romantic Relationships
Romantic love can often be a source of confusion. We may feel strong emotions one moment and deep uncertainty the next. This rollercoaster can easily mislead us away from the principles God want us to follow. When we experience such ups and downs, we should reflect on the intentions behind our feelings and what God says about love in romantic relationships. God’s word reminds us that love should lift us up, strengthen us, and unite us. We are encouraged to prioritize wisdom and to approach our relationships with prayer and discernment. The Bible challenges us to view love as a sacred connection that should be nurtured with care and respect.
Song of Solomon 8:6
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” – Song of Solomon 8:6
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Confused Love in Friendships
Friendships are a beautiful part of our lives, but they can sometimes lead us to confusion regarding love. The connection we feel for friends may feel different from romantic love, but it is equally important. Confusion can stem from expectations, miscommunication, and even jealousy. As we delve into friendships, it’s crucial to remember that love in these relationships should be rooted in respect and kindness. The Bible teaches us to cherish our friends and to be honest in how we express our care towards them. By fostering these friendships in a godly manner, we can avoid the traps of confusion and instead cultivate best relationships that reflect joy and encouragement.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:12-13
Love and Forgiveness
Love and forgiveness often go hand in hand. Confused love can manifest when we experience hurt, and harboring feelings of resentment can cloud our ability to truly love. The Bible teaches us the importance of forgiveness, as it frees us from the burdens we carry. When we embrace love, we must acknowledge the need to forgive those who have wronged us, and in doing so, we mirror God’s love towards us. God forgives us for our transgressions, therefore, we too should extend that grace to others. While confused love might leave us feeling stuck, the Bible guides us to find freedom and clarity through forgiveness. We can then move forward with love that is pure and fulfilling.
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” – Matthew 18:21-22
Learning from Mistakes in Love
We all make mistakes, especially in love. Whether confused love leads to a misunderstanding or a broken relationship, it’s important to recognize that we can learn from these experiences. The Bible is filled with wisdom on how to handle our failures and grow from them. Instead of allowing shame to bury us, we can cling to the promise that God uses our failures for growth. God desires for us to become better people and teaches us valuable lessons through varying experiences in love. As a community, let’s encourage each other to embrace these lessons and uplift one another on our paths. Together, we can find healing and restoration in love.
Proverbs 24:16
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” – Proverbs 24:16
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
God’s Love Conquering Confusion
No matter how confused we may feel in love, we can always look to God’s unwavering love as our guide. His love is perfect and unconditional and can help us through any confusion we may face. Understanding God’s love helps us realign our own feelings and perceptions. We should seek His guidance in our relationships and emotions. When we truly embrace the fullness of His love, our hearts become softened, and the obstacles causing confusion can be reformed. God provides us with the comfort and assurance we need to love others authentically and sincerely. It’s essential to lean into God’s love and let it shape our understanding of all the other types of love in our lives.
Jeremiah 31:3
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” – Jeremiah 31:3
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Psalms 136:26
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” – Psalms 136:26
Isaiah 43:4
“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” – Isaiah 43:4
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of confused love, we understand that love comes in many forms and can often lead us to uncertainty. Through God’s word, we have learned how to navigate through these feelings with wisdom, compassion, and faith. Whether it’s in romantic relationships, friendships, or even self-love, it’s vital that we remain grounded in the principles of love laid out in the Bible.
Time and again, we are reminded that love is a commitment that requires patience and understanding. By embracing forgiveness and learning from our mistakes, we discover deeper connections in every relationship we hold dear. Let us remember that God’s love is perfect, and through Him, we can conquer our confusions. When we allow His love to guide us, our hearts are transformed, enabling us to express genuine love toward others.
Friend, may your journey through confused love lead you to clarity, healing, and a deeper appreciation for the beautiful gift of love. If you’re interested in diving deeper, I encourage you to read about losing love or letting go of bad relationships. Let’s support one another as we explore all aspects of love together.