As we have fun Valentine’s Day this month, love – or the thought of love – appears to be on the forefront of our hearts visibly. But what’s true love? What is “convenient love” (selfish lust)? And what’s mixed “love” (abuse)?
Here’s what we all know to be true about love:
“Love is patient, it’s kind. It doesn’t envy, it doesn’t brag, it doesn’t boast. It doesn’t dishonor others, it doesn’t seek selfishness, it shouldn’t be easily angered, it doesn’t record wrongs. Love doesn’t enjoyment of evil, but rejoices with the reality. Always protects, at all times trusts, at all times hopes, at all times perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
What love shouldn’t be
Despite what the culture tells us today, true love shouldn’t be lust; these aren’t shallow feelings or selfish desires. In fact, true love shouldn’t be selfish in any respect. It is actually not abuse, theft or profanation in any way.
Today, tens of millions of oppressed, trafficked people (adults and youngsters) are sexually abused, a lot of them by their very own members of the family, under the guise of “love.” Not only is their innocence stolen from them, leaving them tainted and broken – but also they are confused, believing that they were put on this position due to “loyalty” and “love”.
Others are groomed by “mistresses” who prey on young people on the lookout for love. They flatter and shower their victims with gifts, pledging to take care of them in a way that nobody else ever can. The naive fell victim to those lies and shortly found himself trapped with no way out, the lover became a tormentor and a trafficker.
It’s not love. This is totally unsuitable and disgusting, destroying their identity.
Evil disguised as “love” is spreading.
To put all of this into perspective, listed here are some astounding ones sex trafficking statistics:
– Human trafficking is a $99 billion industry.
–Anywhere from 24 million to 40 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking at anyone time.
–Every yr, 2 million children are taken and trafficked into sex trafficking.
–91% of victims of childhood sexual abuse admit to knowing the perpetrator.
–65% of traffickers are moms of victims; 32% are the fathers of the victims.
–Many victims report sexual abuse that began between the ages of three and 4.
–50% of trafficking victims were involved in child welfare or juvenile justice systems.
–80% of ladies involved in trafficking have been in childcare prior to now.
–The average age of youngsters who run away from home and interact in sex trafficking is 12-14 years old.
–Within 48 hours of running away, 1 in 3 children are urged to have sex.
–Victims might be traded anywhere from 15 to 40 times in 24 hours.
But Jesus.
While these numbers are overwhelmingly painful, we remain hopeful. There is barely a technique and one power to save lots of all people and redeem all situations.
“You desired to hurt me, but God wanted it to be good to realize what is going on now, to save lots of many lives.” Genesis 50:20
True love
“Defend the reason for the weak and orphans; uphold the rights of the oppressed and oppressed.” Psalm 82:3
True love is loving others in God’s way. It is a fight for many who cannot fight for themselves. We must arise for these souls by taking time to hope for many who are human traffickers, defiled by their very own members of the family, used for his or her bodies, or groomed to accept much less. True love is empowering others, valuing them above ourselves, defending the abused and oppressed, and sharing the Truth with all—offering true life, freedom, and joy.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others higher than yourself.” Philippians 2:3
If you desire to see a real love story, examine Jesus’ sacrifice. He laid all of it down and gave his life so we could have ours. He got here down low so we could go high. This is true love.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
We must arise for many who have been abused of their seek for love. We must help them keep the hope that sooner or later they are going to know their true price. Jesus is the just one who can truly set everyone free the best way he was designed. It is our job to fight for them, arise for them, see their value, and pray that the deception can be lifted and that every one will see their true value. And that every one will walk in the liberty, power and destiny they were sure together within the womb. Jesus hears the cry of those people, cares deeply for them, and needs them to know his heart. He is love – true love – and he’ll show the best way.
“The Lord says: ‘I even have seen violence against the defenseless. I heard the groans of the oppressed. I’ll rise to save lots of them.” Psalm 12:5
Not only must we advocate, but where possible we must educate in order that our youth is not going to fall prey to the lies of the enemy. Our organization, The Foundation United, provides Speak louder curriculum for schools, HONEST TALK for churches andNice Aunt Seriesfrom Rachel Thomas for families to make use of at home. We will all need to work together to guard our kids’s future and help them understand what true love is.
And in the event you’re left alone this Valentine’s Day, be calm. It is a lot better to be alone and wait for true love than to accept something lower than, and even worse, something that pretends to be love. Expect someone who will find you precious beyond all cost – that is the last word model, and God has shown us the best way.
“By this we all know love: Jesus Christ he gave his life for us. And we should always lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16
Image credit: ©GettyImages/scyther5
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