True Love. How can you make it last? And where do you find it?

Indeed, real and lasting love is something we all long for. But, for many, a solid and loving romantic relationship is often elusive—or short-lived.

You date, and break up.

You marry, and get divorced. Or your spouse passes.

Or, you've never had a long-term relationship.

If you ask a few people you know to define "true love," you might get answers like this:

True love is unconditional love.

True love is about mutual admiration, intimacy, connection, support, respect, fondness, and trust.

True love is making a commitment, growing together—and sharing life together.

Sounds wonderful. But you may find it hard to imagine that anyone could love you like that—flaws and all.

The truth is, the One who loves you most already loves you that way.

And it's this primary love—God's great love—that that we all need. Because when we know and receive God's love for us it profoundly changes us. It helps us to better love ourselves and love others well.

The truth about true love is that it's closer than you think.

True love is found in the amazing, life-changing love that God has for you. He made you. You were his idea! And God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to this world 2,000 years ago to demonstrate that to the world—through how he loved, listened, served, healed—and sacrificed His life for each of us.

God is not only the author of love, He IS love.

The remarkable thing is that God's love for you is unconditional—not based on who you are or what you've done (or not done).

His love never ends. He is with you always; He never leaves.

He is compassionate. Slow to anger. Forgiving. Compassionate. Kind.

God not only loves you, he likes you. He wants to spend time with you. And you can do so in prayer, a holy conversation of talking with and listening to the Lord.

It's the kind of love that moves us to sing, "What wondrous love is this, O my soul?"

Love changes how we live and the choices we make—like living beyond our feelings, learning to accept others, and learning to forgive. It stretches us, and it brings us joy!

Know this: you already have the true love you're longing for.

God has poured out his love to you. Receive it. Embrace it. Then, empowered by God's love, go love others well. And watch what happens next.

Love changes everything.

Jackie M. Johnson is an author and blogger who writes inspiring content on growing a better life, the power of prayer, and encouragement for singles. Jackie has a heart to encourage single adults of all ages, and she has led numerous small groups and Bible studies for singles. Her books include the breakup recovery guide, When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty, Power Prayers for Women, and Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough. Connect with Jackie at JackieJohnsonCreative.com.