#DYC & God’s Love Article

Title:

My Definition of Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 or My Definition of Love: Amorem Dei

Knowing that God is always there for me because He loves.

“We are united in God’s Love” was how most campers described their camp experience during the
Division Youth Leadership Conference held on July 27-28, 2019 in Lnnchs, Baroy, Lanao del Norte. The
2,100 participants, most of whom were first-time campers were from the Lnnchs. Some campers were
able to share their individual experiences before the camp ended; as well as their life stories before
joining the camp. They expressed deep gratitude to God for enabling them to join this camp so they got
to know Him deeper, personally.

The 2-day camp was programmed to provide participants with a foretaste of kingdom living. This was
achieved by having activities that helped the campers become aware of God’s presence in different
experiences. Campers participated in Laro ng Lahi, basketball, volleyball, dance, workshops, noontime
games, and night activities. Other night activities included “Praise Fest” worship on the first night, where
in the campers were able to share highlights and lowlights of their lives. In the first day, campers most
likely experienced for the first time different workshops, dubbed as Kaleidoscope that allowed
participants some time for soul-searching and reflections on their relationship with God. Majority of the
campers considered this as their best camp experience though they also explicitly cited how they have
enjoyed all the camp’s activities.

The DYC 2019 Camp in Lnnchs was a concerted labor of love in the Lord Jesus. Everyone rejoiced and
enjoyed individually and collectively in seeing God’s love transform the life of every camper for His
glory.1 Corinthians 13:4-8 defines love as it was made to be and says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It
does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the
truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.” While
there are many different kinds of love, this verse encompasses all and provides a standard of how love
should be shown once it is developed.
 What Is My Truth In Love?

Love is not a definition in the dictionary, or something you see. Walking around the streets and halls of a
school watching a movie series, book, or food a lot isn’t love. Your definition of love depends on how
you were raised. Did you grow up a very strong Christian, or become one later in life? If so, your
definition in love is probably the bible quote, “God is Love.” If you grew up in a house full of hate, you
never see what love is.

For me Love is a lot of things. Love is how you feel when you’re in a room full of your favorite people in
your favorite place. Love is not only an emotion, but a happening. Love can be what you are most
passionate about, even a person. A parent can’t tell you that it’s hormones, because a hormone does
not control your aspirations. I grew up in a house that showed me both sides of love. I grew up with an
amazing family who fed me and clothed me, and who loved me so much it emanated across the house.
One side of my family tells me not to worry about love. God loves me and that’s all I need to know. The
other side tells me love is only an illusion. But I am finished with listening to them. Love is not an illusion,
because if it was, how would this world run? I know God loves me, but so do other people. I may only be
16, but I am slowly uncovering the truth of love, and what it boils down to.

Honestly though if someone ask me to describe what love is in a minute or two I`d simply say it’s its
confusing and God offers the greatest love. In habit though I usually say God is love. If you read this you
might think such a Christian answer, sorry but for me it’s true. As the bible says Greater love has no one
than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 and after all Jesus is the only one
that has done this for me.