Why Love Doesn’t Just Happen

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES 40 Days of Love

Why Love Doesn't Just Happen By Rick Warren — Jul 24, 2015 “That you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:20 NIV) Today we’ve bought into this myth that love is uncontrollable, that it’s something that just happens to us. In fact, even the language we use implies the uncontrollability of love. We say, “I fell in love,” as if love is some kind of ditch. It’s like I’m walking along one day and — bam! — I fell in love. I couldn’t help myself.  But I have to tell you the truth: That’s not love. Love doesn’t just happen to you. Love is a choice, and it represents a commitment.  There’s no doubt about it: Attraction is uncontrollable and arousal is uncontrollable. But attraction and arousal are not love. They can lead to love, but they are not love. Love is a choice. You must choose to love God; he won’t force you to love him (Deuteronomy 30:20). You can thumb your nose at God and go a totally different way. You can destroy your life if you choose to do that. God still won’t force you to love him, because he knows love can’t be forced. This same principle is true about your relationships: You can choose to love others, but God won’t force you to love anyone. Is there someone in your life, like a family member, friend, or neighbor, who you have trouble loving? God will help you love that person if you make the choice to do so. That doesn’t mean everything will become perfect; it doesn’t even mean that person will accept your love. But you are the only person who can stop you from loving someone else — because love is a choice you make. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over Why is it important for people in a relationship to understand that they must choose to love each other? How does it make love more meaningful to understand that it is a choice and not something that happens to you? Who do you need God’s help to love? Ask God now to give you his love for that person. Our Gift: 40 Days of Love Study Kit Most people want to be closer to God and experience more fulfilling relationships. Jesus gave us the keys to accomplish this when he taught us that of all God's commands only two are most important: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbors as yoursef. This sounds so easy, but we struggle in this area. That's why Pastor Rick developed the 40 Days of Love Study Kit. This unigue tool will equip you to fulfill the two greatest commandments. And, as you learn to live a love powered life you will grow closer to God and others. You'll become more like Jesus! LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren 40 Days of Love teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: Love Matters Most Message 2: ​​Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind Message 3: ​​Love Speaks the Truth Message 4: ​​Love Is Forgiving Message 5: ​​Love Isn't Selfish Message 6: The ​Habits of a Loving Heart PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2015 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe