Why do you suppose so many women read romance novels and/or watch Hallmark movies? It seems most of us want that fairy tale with a special someone. Although they may not watch the movies or read the books, I think most men want the same thing. Most of us long for Someone who thinks we’re beautiful/handsome, sexy, smart, and fun–even when we gain weight or have thinning hair or get fired from a job. Someone who will always be there to hold us when we’re scared, sick, or sad. Someone who will stand by us when things go wrong or we get old.

Unfortunately, movies and fairy-tale romances usually end before we see the challenges that committed relationships bring. A successful marriage takes determination and compromise and sometimes more than we’re prepared to give. That makes developing a relationship beyond Prince Charming, a powerful component for healthy marriages that last. And, for single people, too.

Only Jesus loves us enough to save us from ourselves, to be there for us every minute of every day, and to transform our lives into something spectacular.

Love Enough to Save Us From Ourselves

Our culture elevates self to be at the center of our world, and that can make us miserable. Self can be a cruel master–always trying to be perfect and beating ourselves up when we fail. Too often we turn to self-destructive behaviors for comfort–compulsive shopping, drinking too much wine, eating too much chocolate. Anger and bitterness can consume us. However, the Bible proclaims freedom from all our sins because Jesus came.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Jesus loves everyone, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Me. You. Our worst enemies. Our best friends. And when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we know true freedom from self’s dictates. We can choose to model ourselves after cultural icons or we can choose to become more like Jesus, the one who saved us. And, by His Holy Spirit, He transforms us.

Choosing to follow Christ means doing things His way instead of mine, and His is so much better. The more we trust Him, the more we see His goodness and the more peace we have regardless of circumstances. And, there’s never a time, when He’s not available.

Love enough to never leave us

Human lovers generally have to go to work, at least until they retire. But even if a couple works together 24/7, at some point, every human lover will die. Some leave this world far too young. Others may choose to go elsewhere. But Jesus promises to always be with us. In Hebrews 13:5 it is written:

For He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you.”

Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorite verses.

Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Again and again in Scripture, Jesus tells us not to be afraid for He is with us. He’s on call 24/7. I can talk to Him in the middle of the night without waking Him up. I can talk to Jesus no matter where in the world I am. He’s there when I’m scared. When hospitals allow no visitors. On a cruise ship in Norway or a train in Pennsylvania. Jesus is always with me.

Even better He’s with those I love, no matter where they are–in Hawaii, the Philippines, or Encinitas. No human lover can give us that comfort of being with us and being in all the places where we have loved ones we’re concerned about. And, there’s no place on Earth that compares with the one that awaits those in a relationship with Christ.

Love Enough to Prepare a Place for Us

This life is not all there is. For those who embrace Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and long to be with Him in glory, John 14:2-3 describes a little of what lies ahead:

In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.

Right now although we can’t see Him physically, we see tremendous evidence that Jesus is with us and often sense His presence. We know by faith and belief in His Word that He’s here. But one day we will see Him face to face. And, it will be more spectacular than anything a mere human can provide. For all eternity, we will be with the One who is beyond Prince Charming. And, that’s the very best love story–one without end.