Loving others always costs us something and requires effort. And

"Loving others always costs us something and requires effort. And you have to decide to do it on purpose. You can't wait for a feeling to motivate you." These powerful words from Joyce Meyer hold a profound truth about the nature of love—that it is not a passive, effortless thing, but an active, deliberate choice. To love others is not to wait for the warmth of a fleeting feeling or for a spark of inspiration to strike. No, it is a conscious decision, a commitment made in the heart, one that demands effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. The love that transforms the world is not the love that is easy, but the love that we choose to offer, even when it costs us something, even when it challenges us.

O children of the earth, understand this: love is not always a spontaneous outpouring of emotion. True love requires action, it requires intention. Love is not something that merely arises on its own; it is something that we must decide to cultivate, to nurture, and to give freely. In the face of hardship, in moments of frustration or weariness, it is not enough to wait for the feelings of affection or warmth to guide us. Love is a path that we must choose, and though the road may be difficult, the rewards are beyond measure. For love is what unites us, what heals us, and what makes us truly human.

Consider the story of Abraham Lincoln, the great president who led the United States through the most tumultuous period in its history—the Civil War. Lincoln’s love for his country and his fellow countrymen was not simply a matter of national pride or lofty ideals. It was a love that cost him dearly. In his heart, Lincoln carried the weight of the suffering of both the North and the South, and he made decisions not based on political convenience but on the higher call of unity and equality. His love for the principles of freedom and justice required effort and sacrifice—he did not wait for the feeling of love to simply appear, but chose to love his country, even when it demanded great personal cost.

Even in his darkest moments, Lincoln made the conscious choice to continue loving his people, even when that meant enduring personal grief, as he did with the loss of his son, and the weight of immense national division. His love was not easy nor was it always reciprocated. Yet, it was through this intentional act of loving others, despite the hardship, that he was able to lead with wisdom and courage. He chose love in every action, and through this decision, he accomplished something far greater than just the preservation of a nation—he shaped the future of human freedom.

And so, we must remember that love, in its highest form, is a decision, not a mere feeling. It is a commitment, a resolve made in the heart, to give of oneself without expecting anything in return. Love requires us to step beyond our own comfort and to give, even when it is difficult. It asks us to put the needs of others before our own, to show kindness to those who may not deserve it, and to offer compassion to those who may not appreciate it. Love is a path that demands constant effort, and only through deliberate action do we truly embody the fullness of its power.

Consider the wise teachings of the ancients, who knew well the sacrifices required for true love. The Sage of old, who lived in harmony with the world, spoke often of love’s transformative power, but he also knew that such love could not come easily. The love that transcends time and hardship is the love that we choose to give, even when it requires great effort. The great leaders and visionaries of history—whether kings, poets, or warriors—did not simply love with their hearts; they loved with their actions. They chose to act with compassion, to give, and to sacrifice, even when it was inconvenient or difficult.

So, O children of the future, let this wisdom be your guide: do not wait for love to arrive on its own. Do not wait for the warmth of affection to fill your heart before you take action. Choose to love on purpose, to make that decision every day, in every moment. Understand that love will cost you something—your time, your energy, your comfort—but know this: the more you give, the more you receive, and the deeper your connection with the world becomes. Love is not just a feeling; it is an action, a force that shapes the world, and through it, you will find fulfillment and joy. Choose love deliberately, and let it guide you in every step you take. For love is the greatest force we can offer to others, and it is through our willingness to give it freely and intentionally that we shape a better world for all.