How Much Have I Loved Today? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How Much Have I Loved Today?

Love is the one thing that holds humanity together.

22
How Much Have I Loved Today?
whosoeverdesires.wordpress.com

How much have I loved today?

This is a question my mother taught me to ask myself every night as I get ready for bed. As I lay in bed I ask myself how many times I could’ve loved when I didn’t and how many times I did when it was hard to.

What is love exactly? What does it mean to love?

Love is not a feeling. It’s not infatuation. It isn’t the giddiness you feel in your stomach when you see the boy or girl you have a crush on. It isn’t just being nice and putting up a front to those you don’t like. Love is a choice. It is the decision we make in the depths of our hearts to wish the best for those even when we want to wish the worst. It’s praying for those that harm us. It isn’t being nice, but it’s being kind to everyone around us. It’s standing up to evil even when you are the minority. It’s learning to forgive those that we don’t think deserve our forgiveness. It’s giving up our pride and listening to those with a different opinion and accepting that we might be wrong. Love is infectious. The more we love, the more we inspire others to love. From the words of the amazing Martin Luther King Jr. himself, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Loving isn’t always easy. Loving your neighbor as yourself is difficult, but loving yourself can be just as challenging, especially when you get into a habit of feeding into and believing the unkind things we tell ourselves that drive us to hate how God made us. When I ask myself, “How much have I loved today?,” that question almost always includes a reflection of how I have loved myself that day. Sometimes we’re so preoccupied with caring for others that we forget we deserve love as well. How many times did I put myself down today? How many times did I do something that I could’ve avoided that was unhealthy? How many times did I look at myself and think that I wasn’t beautiful or worth respect? How many times did I forget that I am a temple of the Holy Spirit and a child of God made in his image and likeness?

Let us never forget to love, my friends. It is the one thing that holds humanity together through all of the horrifying things that are happening in the world right now. Challenge yourself to love. Love when it’s hard. Love when you don’t want to. Love even if you think it will do nothing. Love, and by love I mean true, pure, and unconditional love, is so powerful and we must love ourselves and others the way God loves us. His love runs so deep. Cling to it with me and let it transform the hearts of all those struggling to love the way they are supposed to, and let it strengthen the love of those that wish to be better.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” - 1 John 4:7

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26611
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11116
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

8226
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments