![pair-2914879_1920.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmfRcrwEohGbAoNdkzVmRKCjn9ZpCy3ByyS7d4jdU2k3XA/pair-2914879_1920.jpg) [source](https://pixabay.com/en/pair-seniors-pensioners-age-2914879/)

HUMANS CRAVE LOVE. No marriage, family, or friendship can thrive without it. It stands to reason, therefore, that love is essential to mental health and happiness. What, though, is meant my "love"?

The love referred to here is not romantic love, which of course, has its place. Rather, it is a superior form of love that causes a person to show sincere concern for the welfare of others, even putting them before self. It is love that guided by godly principles but is by no means devoid of warmth and feeling.

![buy-me-a-coffee-990325_1920.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmf7hFc2sZLzPmR3u8BWjd5sFEoHgJp3Zs4EJe1gYRUTNg/buy-me-a-coffee-990325_1920.jpg) _{[source](https://pixabay.com/en/buy-me-a-coffee-boy-adult-990325/)}

A beautiful description of love states; "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave Indecently , does does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things,...hope all things, endures all things, Love never fails." -1 Corinthians 13:4-3.

Such love "never fails" in that it will never cease to exist. Indeed, it can grow stronger over time. And because it is patient,kind, and forgiving m, it is "a perfect bond of union" (Colossians 3:14)

Hence relationship bound by such love are both secure and happy despite the imperfections of the individuals. For example, consider the marriage union.

A beautiful description of love stas patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave Indecently , does does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things,...hope all things, endures all things, Love never fails." -1Corinthian 13:4-8.

UNITED BY "A PERFECT BOND OF UNION"

![couple-1030744_1920.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmW37Kru2rWrJwj2QsTpM6RCFqjdWKS3pzMbUKEoXyn6xf/couple-1030744_1920.jpg) _{[source]( https://pixabay.com/en/couple-african-happy-man-woman-1030744/ )}

JESUS taught important principles on marriage. For instance, he said: " 'A man will leave his father and mother and will stick to his wife, and the two will be one flesh'... Therefore, what GOD has joined together let no man up asunder." (Matt. 19:5,6) At least this important words stands out.

"THE TWO WILL BE ONE FLESH". Marriage is the most intimate union humans can have, and love can protect it against infidelity - that is, the husband or wife becoming "one body" with no one other than her spouse. (1Corinthians 6:16; Hebrews 13:4) Unfaithfulness shatter trust and can wreck the marriage. If children are involved, they may be emotionally traumatized, feeling unloved, insecure, or even resentful.

"WHAT GOD HAS JOIN TOGETHER." Marriage is also s sacred union. Couples who respect that fact strive to strengthen their marriage. They do not look for a way out when difficulties arise. Their love is stronger and resilient. Such a love "bears all things," working through difficulties in an effort to maintain marital harmony and peace.

![men-2425121_1920.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPcDK466W3Ym3HAnHuPhbR6gr2YqXUKHVNHZN12CcYfuc/men-2425121_1920.jpg) _{[source](https://pixabay.com/en/men-women-apparel-woman-man-2425121/)}

When self-sacrificing love exist between parents, the children in the family benefit greatly. A young woman named Jessica observed: "My father and mother truly love each and respect each other. When I see my mother respect my father, especially when dealing with us children, it makes me want to be just like her".

Love is God's foremost quality. In fact, the Bible says: "God is Love". (1 John 4:8) It thus comes as no surprise that JEHOVAH is also called "the happy God" . (1Tim. 1:11) We too will be happy when we strive to imitate our Creator's qualities - especially his love. Says Eph.5:1,2: " Become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love

'Love is patient and kind. It bears all things, hope all things, endure all things. Love never fails." -1Corinthians 13:4-8.

Love promote Happiness because it...

Helps is to show sincere concern for welfare of others.

Can grow stronger over time.

Gives strength and resilience to friendships and marriage.

Helps children to thrive and feel secure.

Makes us more like our Creator.

https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTeq2tFoejjS9KL9Nb2r67hFPYHsfo2KMyA2WS133y1au/QmdXdgBHHeaytHtNxwf5Nxqn12RqdisE4RaWz62QkYfAT8.png ***@prosperousday*** ***Your days are prosperous*** [Source]https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/awake-no1-2018-mar-apr/way-of-happiness-love/