In our Truth for Youth retreats with middle school and high school students, we share the truth about whole-person identity, healthy relationships, and sexual integrity.
With each of those topics, we talk about love - love for who they are, love for others, and what love and sex have to do with each other (or not). We use the wise and simple words of Thomas Aquinas (Catholic theologian and philosopher of the 1200's) to introduce what love is:
To love is to will the good of the other.
To love means you want all that is "good" for someone else. We, humans, are created with an innate desire and need to give good to others. This willing the good love is seen in families who care for each other by providing for their physical needs of food, water, shelter and comfort.
Love is actualized when strangers step out and help someone in need to bring something good to their life. This love is seen in friends who support each other with encouraging words and listening ears. Couples love each other truly when they will the good for each other by respecting each other's whole-person, including their emotional and physical needs, even putting their own needs or desires aside for the good of the other. Where do you see this "willing the good for the other" love in your life?
This week we're celebrating love with our "Love Is...V-Day Giving Day" appeal.
Pure & Simple Truth for Youth, Inc. believes youth deserve the truth about love by learning about whole-person identity, healthy relationships and sexual integrity. Help us bring this message to youth, families and communities and partner with us today!
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November 2020
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