Love is Enough: But Only When Both Partners Embrace God's True Definition of Love
There’s a common belief that love alone isn't enough to sustain a relationship, particularly in the face of challenges. Many married couples and singles often say, "Love is not enough." But I want to challenge that notion. Love is indeed enough when we understand and embrace God's true definition of love. The issue isn't that love is insufficient; it’s that we've simplified it to a feeling, a fleeting emotion, instead of a deep, sacrificial choice grounded in patience, kindness, and truth.
The Bible makes it clear that "faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is powerful enough to cover all things—sin, mistakes, flaws, and weaknesses. But here's the key: it requires both partners in a relationship to follow God’s true definition of love for it to truly be enough. If only one person is actively living out this kind of love, the relationship will always feel unbalanced and one-sided.
When both partners are committed to practicing the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, then God comes in to bind and strengthen the relationship. But when only one partner strives to love in this way, the other may feel neglected, misunderstood, or even exploited, leading to frustration, disconnection, and emotional exhaustion. In such situations, love can feel insufficient or lacking, but the truth is, it's the absence of mutual understanding and effort that makes it seem so.
God’s definition of love, as outlined in the Bible, isn’t just about feelings. It encompasses patience, kindness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and an unwavering commitment to one another. These are all different expressions of love, yet they are still very much love in its truest form. In a relationship where both individuals are working together to embody this kind of love, there’s a balance that allows both partners to give and receive in a way that fulfills both their needs. But when one person falls short, the love becomes lopsided, and it can feel as though one partner is carrying the weight of the relationship.
If love feels insufficient in your relationship, reflect on this: Are both of you truly living according to God’s definition of love? Then, turn to God in prayer and ask Him what the next step should be for your relationship. Remember, GOD LOVES YOU deeply, and it is never His will for you to experience hurt or abuse.
If you're struggling to find balance and healing after your toxic relationship in the past, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. As a certified Christian Life Coach, I help women heal from the wounds of toxic relationships, rediscover their self-worth, and learn how to love themselves through God’s eyes. If you feel that love—whether your own or the love (or lack thereof) from your ex—has broken your heart, I invite you to book a coaching session with me or join my group coaching program. Together, we’ll work on building a foundation of love that reflects God’s truth, bringing peace and restoration to your heart and relationships.