RELATIONSHIP: What is the difference between love and infatuation?

What is the
difference
between love and infatuation?
"Real love involves commitment to the other
person… infatuation doesn't.
"Real love is more about how I can show I care
for the other person… infatuation is more about
how the other person makes ME feel.
"Real love is based on really knowing the other
person… infatuation focuses on the physical
qualities and impressions about the other
person.
"Real love lasts through disagreements and
trials… disagreements and trials often "bursts
the bubble" of infatuation.
"Real love stands the test of time… infatuation
doesn't last."
"A great Biblical tool to help determine love
from infatuation is found in 1 Corinthians 13. In
this chapter, Paul writes about the
characteristics of real love. I suggest that you
take a look!" (Jim Burns from
Homeward.com article, What is the Difference
Between Love and Infatuation)
It's difficult, when you believe you're in love to
think that it could be anything but true love. The
feelings are so strong, so compelling. You want, you
desire, you believe that what you are experiencing
is authentic.
But does it line up biblically with the definition God
gives to love?
"We're told in the Bible (1 Corinthians 13:4-5),
'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is
not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it
keeps no record of wrongs.' But infatuation is
impatient, gets angered easier because it's
more about ME and how you make ME feel than
how I can make YOU feel.
"Infatuation is in a hurry and 'won't pass the
test of time' where love views time as 'its
greatest friend,' after all, what's the hurry?
Those that love aren't planning on leaving. Time
is something that can be savored and enjoyed
by those who are in love.
"Infatuation 'is purely an emotion, thus is
subject to change and wavering' where love is
'an emotional need AND an act of the will.'
That's what you understand better as you read
what God tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7."
When it comes to love —true love:
"I ask you: Are you willing to turn over to God
even the deepest longings and desires of your
heart? Can you trust Him with your dreams and
future? Are you willing to pass up something
that appears good and even desirable for that
which is BEST?
"If your answer is yes, then you, my friend, will
never reap the sorrow and regret that awaits
those who head down the paths of this world.
Your fulfillment, and mine, will be unmatched
with anything that frivolous dating relationships
can offer, if we will but cling to the Savior and
rest —truly rest —in Him." (Kristy Smith from
internet article, "Emotions and the Christian
Young Lady")
"How great is your goodness, which you have
stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow
in the sight of those who take refuge in you." -
Psalm 31:19
So, when it comes to TRUE Love compared to
Infatuation and how it looks in practical ways for
those who are Christians, here are a few to
consider:
• True Love: Has a priority to maintain a close
walk with God and desires to please the Lord
above pleasing a guy.
• Infatuation: Thinks more about pleasing self
and a guy than about pleasing God.
• True Love: Desires to please her parents and
seeks their approval in a relationship with a guy
(whether your parents are Christians or not).
• Infatuation: Desires to please a guy no
matter what her parents think.
• True Love: Desires the approval of godly
friends and spiritual authorities (Pastor, youth
leader, Sunday School teacher) in her friendship
with a guy.
• Infatuation: Develops a friendship with a guy
no matter what others think and does not seek
the approval of godly friends or spiritual leaders.

Sent From David Aniemeka