“True love is like quick-silver,” said Ann Landers, “if you hold it in the palm of your hand, it will remain. If you try to grasp it, it will slip through your fingers.” Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he said, “Whoever will save his life will lose it: and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

In other words, when we cling to life to live only for ourselves or cling to another person out of our over-dependent need, we lose what we need the most: Love. This is because we have mistaken need for love. Only as we let go of unhealthy need, are we free to love.

In other words, do I love you because I need you or do I need you because I love you? The first is unhealthy and immature; the second is healthy and mature.

Only as we learn to love without strings attached do we find genuine love and the fullness of life.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, help me to resolve all of my unresolved issues so I don’t cling to others or do things out of unhealthy immature need, so I am free to let go and learn to fully live and fully love. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Matthew 16:25.