“Don’t cross oceans for people who wouldn’t cross a puddle for you.”

This phrase can help those with a tender heart weed out the people who take advantage of them. It suggests that if someone doesn’t love you as fiercely as you love them, you shouldn’t go above and beyond in the relationship. Living your life this way means you focus your energy on the people who love you like you love them. Don’t cross oceans, right?

Wrong. Do it. Cross oceans. Cross them even if it wears you down. Cross them even if it is hard. Why avoid the relationships that don’t have anything immediately to offer you? You may not see it now, but the love you pour into others will come back to you tenfold. If you’re the type of person who loves hard, then cross those oceans every single day.

Be the friend that will get out of bed at 2 a.m. to pick someone up even if you know they probably won’t do the same for you. Listen to your friend cry about a bad situation at 10 p.m. even if all you want to do is decompress after a long day. Be the person who, when your name comes up in conversation, causes people to say, “She is always there for others.” I think you should love people as hard as you can; not for them but for you. This is your journey and God pieced you together with love and intent. If you feel called to love others well (and better than they can love you right now) then absolutely do it.

I don’t advocate putting your well being permanently on the back burner. If a relationship truly benefits you in no way; leave. However if you only invest in people who can make an immediate return investment you’re missing a chance to show them love. They may not be able to love you the way you deserve all the time, but your kind heart can change their life each small action of love at a time.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34

So do it. Cross puddles, rivers, mountains, ditches, train tracks, gravel roads, city sidewalks and every path in between for people. Love others with a Christ-like conviction that spreads joy and light everywhere you go. Cross oceans.