Dangerous Love: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Being Drunk in Love as a Christian

Are You Drunk in Love?

Love is a beautiful thing, but have you ever been so in love that you felt intoxicated? The kind of love that makes you feel like you’re on cloud nine, and nothing can bring you down. A love that consumes your thoughts and emotions, leaving you feeling like you’re drunk.

Being drunk in love is a feeling that many of us have experienced. It’s a feeling that can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous if not kept in check. As Christians, we are called to love one another, but we must be careful not to let our love for others become an idol.

The Danger of Drunkenness

Scripture warns us about the dangers of drunkenness. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul cautions us to not be drunk with wine, but to be filled with the Spirit. Why? Because being drunk can lead to reckless behavior, impaired judgment, and can even be deadly.

Similarly, being drunk in love can also lead to reckless behavior and impaired judgment. When we are consumed with love for someone, it can be easy to lose sight of what is right and wrong. We may compromise our values and beliefs to please the person we love, or we may ignore red flags and warning signs because we are so infatuated. This can lead to making decisions that are not in our best interest or the best interest of those around us.

Love as an Idol

Love can also become an idol if we are not careful. As Christians, we are called to love one another, but we must love God first and foremost. In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This means that our love for God should be our top priority, and our love for others should flow from our love for Him.

When we make love for another person our top priority, it can become an idol. We may start to base our worth and identity on the love and approval of the person we are in love with, rather than on our relationship with God. This can lead to putting too much pressure on the other person to meet our emotional needs and desires, which can be unhealthy and unfair.

Biblical Love

So, what does biblical love look like? In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul gives us a beautiful description of love. Love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not arrogant, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

This kind of love is not based on feelings or emotions, but on a choice and commitment to love others as Christ loved us. Jesus showed us the ultimate example of love by laying down His life for us on the cross. He loved us even when we were still sinners and did not deserve it.

As Christians, we are called to love others in the same way. This means putting the needs and interests of others before our own, even if it means sacrificing our own desires and wants. It means being patient and kind, even when others are not. It means forgiving others when they hurt us, just as Christ forgave us.

Keeping Love in Check

So, how do we keep our love in check and avoid becoming drunk in love? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Keep God First

Remember that our love for God should be our top priority. We should seek to please Him above all else, and our love for others should flow from our love for Him.

2. Seek Wise Counsel

Surround yourself with wise and godly people who can offer guidance and insight. Seek their counsel when making important decisions, especially when it comes to relationships.

3. Stay Grounded in Truth

Stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word. Seek to understand His will and plan for your life, and make decisions that align with His Word.

4. Practice Self-Control

Practice self-control and discipline when it comes to your emotions and desires. Don’t let your feelings and emotions dictate your actions.

5. Keep Your Identity in Christ

Remember that your worth and identity are found in Christ, not in your relationship status or the love and approval of others.

In Conclusion

Love is a beautiful thing, but it can also be dangerous if not kept in check. As Christians, we are called to love one another, but we must do so in a way that honors God and keeps Him as our top priority. Let us strive to love others with the kind of love that Christ showed us, a love that is patient, kind, and selfless.

Let us not become drunk in love, but instead, let us be filled with the Spirit and bear the fruit of love that brings honor and glory to God.