Page 4 - #LoveWarrior

Okay, then how do you minimize the bad and magnify the good? Through experiences, the answer becomes clear:
don't avoid the healing process. Human fragility, in part, is a result of unhealed wounds. So, be intentional; invest in
yourself. Learn to communicate with yourself first and then with others. From here, you will develop an acute set of
skills needed to trust yourself again and, eventually, others.

This journey will increase your awareness while organically decreasing loneliness in your life. Your overall
happiness will increase. You'll see a substantial decrease in depression. You will also see a decrease in the desire to
engage in problematic, self-destructive behavior. These redemptive outcomes will be possible through
understanding, self-discovery, and appreciation. You will be empowered to love again, with a tender and responsive
heart (Ezekiel 36:26, New Living Translation).

Important Definitions
__________

Warrior — Who you are

There are many good definitions of a warrior. However, for the purposes of this book, I’d like to offer us a new
definition.

Warrior (noun)

1. A ferocious protector of what is of highest importance and value, despite opposition and conflict (Llanes).
2. A person who dedicates themselves to constant learning & character strengthening; heart evaluation and
righteous thinking, using said wisdom to see the battle through to the end of the war (Llanes).
3. A person who does not run away from a challenge, dilemma or battle (Llanes).

__________

Love — What you do

The Character of Love
True love leaves behind its presence. Even after the physical evidence of its existence is gone, love's effect is left
behind. Love has a character. Just as 1 Corinthians tells us, love is calm and compassionate. It is grateful, loyal,
never acting rudely or selfishly. It is not easily provoked and does not harbor evil desires or lawless deeds because
instead, it rejoices in righteousness and honorable actions rooted in truth. It does everything it can to preserve
values, ensuring compromise is not required. The character of love understands, it empathizes, serves, intervenes,
while never ceasing to pray. It leaves behind a state of peace, not turmoil or torment. This character must be learned
and accepted. We must first receive this character of Love in our own heart before sharing it with others or
expecting ourselves to live out its resemblance.

Common definitions of love include, but are not limited to:
1. An intense feeling of deep affection (English Oxford Living Dictionary).
2. To feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to someone (English Oxford Living Dictionary).
3. Like very much; find pleasure in (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

While these three are honest attempts, they just don't grasp the full depth of the word.

As a believer, love is best defined by our Heavenly Father in His word:

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them (1 John 4:16 NIV).

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