I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Genesis 34. “Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her, he took her and raped her. His heart was drawn to Dinah daughter of Jacob; he loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. And Shechem said to his father Hamor, ‘Get me this girl as my wife'” (Verses 1-4). He loved her?! Clearly his meaning of love is not the same as mine. I have wondered at why the Bible said that Shechem loved Dinah, when his actions towards her seem like anything, but love. Contrast. Love, TRUE love (the one that comes from God)  seeks out what is good for OTHERS (example: Jesus and the cross). Love, FAKE love (the one that society totes) is all about SELF gratification (example: Shechem and Dinah). True love puts the needs of others above its own. Does our love make others better or does it only benefit us?