When the Bible proclaims “God is love” (1 John 4:8), what does that really mean for us humans?

I remember a young lady in my office who was sobbing her heart out as she told me, “I’ve been crushed by love.”

She had anticipated something beautiful and wonderful — but instead had experienced something ugly and disappointing.

Who among us has not been there?

Was it really “love” that caused her terrible pain?

Well, only as a feeling or expectation in a culture in which “love” is defined superficially, that is.

Related: The Goodness of God Can Transform Our Lives — If We Have Faith

In our fallen world, however, in order to survive, “love” must be something much deeper, wider, broader and higher than a feeling.

Just ask Christ: Love cost Him everything.

On how we should love, the Bible says: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John‬ ‭4:7-8‬).

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To “love” is to give others what God gives us rather than pursue a feeling or expectation from them.

Most of us have missed this mark.

How do we get this deep and abiding love?

There is no greater human love-relationship than one with another person who loves God best.

The more time we commit our soul, mind and body to God — because we love Him — the more completely satisfied and secure we become in His love and the less we have needs or expectations from others.

God’s love, in other words, fills us to overflowing.

Related: When We Doubt God’s Plan for Our Lives, Here’s What to Do

There is no greater human love-relationship than one with another person who loves God best. Whether it be a parent, child, spouse, or best friend, no greater love between two imperfect humans exists than when it is bonded by the love of God.

If “love” has sorely disappointed you, then seek God with as much passion as you sought love from the one who shattered your heart.

You will never be disappointed by God’s love.