Are You “In Love” or Just “In Need”?

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” 1 John 4:18

I was having a conversation about the stark difference of being in love and being in need.  When you really get down to the roots of each kind of love, they are unmistakably polar opposites, although from the outside in they may appear the same.

There are many who believe that they have fallen in love, only to realize that this love is purely based on need.  A need to be wanted, to be valued, to be affirmed.  A need to be taken care of, to be nurtured, to be safe.  Need-love drives you toward another out of your desperation and fear. It binds you together by its codependency and unites you in its fear.  It takes two empty people, and fools them into thinking that they can fill one another up.  But in the end, fulfillment never comes.  In the end, their desperate needs cause them to feel more and more depleted.  In the end, their needs grow even greater in the shadow of a false and dying love.

True love is never based on need, it is birthed out of covenant.  According to God’s word, it’s founded on commitment; rooted in covenant.  It’s a love that speaks permanence and unconditional dedication because it’s a love that is based on choice.  It loves even when it doesn’t feel like loving, and gives until it can give no more.  It loves the one before it because of who they are, yet continues to love because of who it is.  It is an unrelenting, passionate, fierce and growing love that simply loves for the sake of loving…a love that loves to love, rather than a love that loves to be loved.

It is a love that offers something rather than a love that only takes. 

It is a love that wants nothing from the other but the opportunity to love them better.   True love is a reflection of a God who truly loved…completely, wholly, perfectly.

But it is a love that can be found here on earth, in glimpses, in moments…moments of sheer bliss, utter selflessness.  It is a love that reminds us of the Source of our perfect love.  And points us back to Him for more.  The Perfect love that casts out all fears, all doubts, and all needs.

Because only in Him can our needs be met…and only then, are we free to truly love…

So consider this: are you in need? Or are you really, truly, in love?

Lord, help us to love in this way…

Debra Fileta is a Professional Counselor, national speaker, and author of the book True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life. You may also recognize her voice from her 100+ articles at Relevant Magazine or Crosswalk.com! She’s also the creator of this True Love Dates Blog, where she writes candidly about dating, relationships, and how to find true love! Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter! 

MORE:

1. Are you ready for Love? Take my FREE Quiz right now to find out! 

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3. The #1 Mistake singles reported making last year was not taking a risk to start a relationship! Why do Christians tend to be so passive when it comes to relationships? Check out the the top lessons I’ve learned in my career as a Relationship Counselor, and totally change your love-life in 21 Days! Learn more: 21-Day Program to Jump Start Your Love-Life!