"Love without ceasing"

I saw that on the sign of a Church when I was driving back to Starkville from Birmingham one day. As I drove by that sign, I took that phrase in and have not been able to stop thinking about it since.

Loving without ceasing is more than just an action; rather it is an entire mindset. To truly love without ceasing, you must rise above hate, anger, fear, and differences. That is no easy task.

I will admit, sometimes I get very upset with events going on in the world or the people who are in it. It is so easy to let negativity rule in life. Loving with no end, however, is the goal. It is the mindset I try my hardest to always embody.

My longing to endlessly love has led me to strengthen my faith by going to church and has also influenced what kind of people that surround me in my life. Most of my friends are different than me in a large variety of ways.

Instead of letting differences define us, we should celebrate them and unite in the various ways we are unique.

The notion of loving without ceasing is so beautiful because no matter what is going on, there will always be something, somewhere, or someone in this world to love.

The original sign telling us to "love without ceasing" also reminded me of my favorite Bible verse, 1 John 4:8, which says "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." Personally, I am so inspired by a God who is love. In my darkest moments, the idea that God loves me unconditionally kept me going.

In addition to my belief that God is love, I also believe that most humans, of all faiths and backgrounds, have love in their lives and hearts. Even though the news makes it seem like the world is fueled by hate, love is what truly keeps the world working. Being a part of the world's love, though, isn't always easy.

You have to work at loving endlessly and unconditionally.

Centering your life and heart on love is difficult. Sometimes the world seems like it is impossible to love especially with shootings, accidents, and violence portrayed so prominently in the news. As a political science major, I learn about violence, poverty, and terrorism. I can honestly say that does not fill my heart with love.

Even though loving fully is difficult, it should be our goal.

Take some time to love people who you have a hard time loving. Take some time to thank the people who have loved you when you most needed it. Take some time to love friends and strangers alike.

Life is more fulfilling when we love endlessly. Problems are easier to tackle when we love. Love will win over hate if we let it. Let us all take a moment to find a way to share our love.

Love without ceasing.