When our earthly experiences with love have left us feeling unprotected, uncertain and ultimately unloved, it’s tempting not to want to risk trusting anyone again.

And all too often, our view of love and God’s love for us is tainted by the people who have failed us. But God doesn’t want us to stay stuck in our places of hurt. He wants to heal us and help us move forward so we can experience not only the depth of His love for us but also the power of life-giving, healthy relationships with other people, fostered in an environment of authentic love both given and received.

In this episode of Therapy & Theology, Lysa TerKeurst; her personal, licensed professional counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries Director of Theological Research Dr. Joel Muddamalle tackle some of the most important questions surrounding love and our motivations behind love, including:

• How can you love the Lord with your heart, soul and mind?
• How can you really love your neighbor as yourself?
• What is motivating your love? And what is that motivation revealing?
• Where is what you love ultimately leading you?
• How would you define love?

After this conversation, you will be equipped to:

• Understand what biblical love is, and what it isn’t, by discerning the difference between kindness and enabling.
• Know what to do if you feel stuck in an unhealthy relationship, and learn the safest outlets you can take your most important questions to, including trusted friends, a pastor or a Christian counselor.

Like Jim Cress says, “true love connects and communes.” So, friend, we pray this conversation leaves you feeling more loved by God and more equipped to pursue healthy, loving relationships with others.

Helpful Links:

• Want more wisdom as you navigate hard relationship dynamics? Find practical next steps, powerful scriptures and timely guidance on how to set realistic, healthy boundaries in Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. In the pages of this book, Lysa's personal counselor, Jim Cress, also provides therapeutic insight surrounding the topic of boundaries, helping you confidently apply what you read. Order the Proverbs 31-exclusive version here.
• Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances.
• Has the Therapy & Theology podcast helped you personally gain a fresh, biblical perspective for what you’re facing? Tell us about it by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. When you review and rate the podcast, it helps us reach even more people with biblical Truth and therapeutic wisdom.
• Click here to view the transcript for this episode.