“… God sent His only Son into the world so that we could find true life through Him. This is the embodiment of true love: not that we have loved God first, but that He loved us and sent His unique Son on a special mission to become an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 (VOICE)
The first time I danced with my now-husband, my nose came up to his armpit. We were swaying straight-armed beneath the disco ball at our eighth-grade graduation party, and I joked about how I hoped he’d used deodorant that day. His face turned crimson as he solemnly promised he was protected with a double dose.
I stood on my tiptoes in an effort to shrink the gap, but even with my hair ratted and sprayed as high as an ’80s girl could manage, that boy loomed tall above me.
Of course, I had no idea I was dancing with my future husband that night in the junior high gym. I never would have guessed that six years later, we’d trade the sheen of a disco ball for the gleam of rings and pledge to love one another till death do us part.
Though we were no longer gangly teens on our wedding day, my groom still towered 10 inches above me. But I wasn’t bothered by my armpit view on that special day; I’d set my sights on the heights of love.
I gave my husband a handwritten letter just hours before I walked down the aisle, the scrawled page capturing my hopes for the future: “No matter what life sends our way, our love will always stand tall …”
It was a poetic line, not unlike one you might find on a Valentine’s Day card this month. But after 33 years of marriage, I’ve come to believe my past idea of love wasn't entirely accurate.
Love is indeed sacred and lofty, but the mark of true love isn’t height — it’s humility. True love doesn’t stand tall — it bends low.
After all, God sent Jesus to demonstrate how true love is sacrificial at its core.
True love stoops to pick up the trash bag in the kitchen and crouches to look a sullen child in the eye.
True love bows to change diapers and shovel snow, to deliver good-night kisses and offer hugs.
True love bends over the dishwasher and over an ailing parent. True love hovers over a hurting friend and kneels quietly in prayer.
True love chooses to be righteous instead of right, servant instead of master, humble instead of haughty.
Let’s be honest: True love isn’t headline news. It’s not greeting card poetry. It’s not blockbuster buzz. It’s 1 John 4:10: “This is the embodiment of true love: not that we have loved God first, but that He loved us and sent His unique Son on a special mission to become an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
God didn’t declare His love for us with a bouquet of red roses. He didn’t wrap up a box of fine chocolates or send a flowery card. Instead, God wrapped His only Son in wrinkled flesh and proclaimed His love on Calvary’s cross.
It’s wild when you think about it: Jesus stooped the lowest so we might know the summit of His glorious love.
But 1 John 4:14-17 tells us that when we confess Christ as our Lord, He perfects His love in us. And as the stooping Savior makes Himself at home in our hearts, our lives proclaim the truth the whole world longs to hear:
The shape of true love isn’t a diamond. It’s a cross.
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me with a true and unshakable love. Grow in me a humble heart so Your perfect love can shine through my imperfect life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
There’s a version of you that shows up for everyone else — the strong one, the capable one, the “I’m fine” one. But there’s also the version of you who feels behind, who questions everything at 2 a.m., who wonders if she’s the only one still struggling to believe she’s called. Our new reflection journal, Unpolished, is designed for that version of you — the one you don’t post about. It helps you slow down long enough to pay attention to your real emotions, your real longings, and the small, sacred ways God has been trying to get your attention. Not when you’re polished, confident, or curated — right here, in the unfiltered parts you try to keep quiet. You don’t owe the world a perfected story before you can be called. God always begins with the version of you that actually exists. Get your copy of the Unpolished journal, and take the first step toward all God has for you.
For more encouragement, visit Alicia at her website or connect with her on Instagram today.
1 John 4:11-12, "My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!" (MSG).
1 John 4:17, "God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us …" (MSG).
What is one way you can "bend low in love" today? Maybe send a friendly text or write a thank-you note this week to someone who has stooped in love for you. Share your ideas with us in the comments.
© 2026 by Alicia Bruxvoort. All rights reserved.
What We Believe
If your life feels too overwhelming, click here for our care and counseling resources.
Join the Conversation