Episode Show Notes: Falling in Love with Christ First

Podcast: Labor & Love (Season 2)

Host: Karen Oliver, Co-host Tomeka Jones

Episode Summary

Before we can build healthy, lasting connections with others, we must first understand the foundation of all love. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of Falling in Love with Christ First. If your history with love has been marked by inconsistency or pain, this conversation is for you.

We discuss how shifting your focus to God’s unwavering affection creates a new blueprint for every relationship in your life.

Key Discussion Points

* The Ultimate Model for Love

For those who have never experienced a healthy, earthly relationship, Christ serves as the definitive model. We discuss how to look toward His life and sacrifice to redefine what "good" love actually looks and feels like.

* A Love That Isn't Performance-Based

Unlike the world, God’s love isn't earned by what you do or how you perform. We dive into the peace that comes from knowing His love is consistent, patient, and entirely unconditional.

* The "Inflow to Outflow" Principle

You cannot pour from an empty cup. We explore how learning to truly receive love from God is the essential first step to being able to offer genuine, healthy love to the people around you.

Key Takeaways

* Love is a Mirror: The way you allow God to love you will eventually reflect in the way you love yourself and others.

* Healing the Past: Using the "Original Blueprint" of Christ's love to heal wounds left by dysfunctional past relationships.

* Consistency is Key: Finding security in a God who does not change, even when circumstances do.

Notable Quote

"If you’ve never seen healthy love in your life, look at Christ. He isn't just the source; He is the standard."

Connect & Grow

* Join the Community: Don't miss the Singles & Winning Webinar on February 25, 2026, at 1 PM EST. [https://www.wcdcoaching.com/challenges]

* MasterClass Alert: The Fearless Scaling MasterClass is happening February 17–19! Join us to scale your life and vision.

* Pre-Order: My new book, Bloom Baby Bloom, arrives March 1. Secure your copy today!

Get in touch with Karen or Tomeka

Karen - info@wcdcoachingllc.com,

https://www.wcdcoaching.com

laborandlove25@gmail.com

Tomeka - http://www.flawlesslifecoaching.com/

Social Media handles:

Karen Oliver:

https://www.instagram.com/officialkarenoliver?igsh=MXMyNDUwZDhuNjNmOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Tomeka Jones : https://www.instagram.com/flawlesslifecoaching?igsh=MWFxaXRhM3A5a3B3cA==

**Have You Felt Authentic Love?**

**Infatuation, Emotional Dependency, and the Real Thing**

**Episode Overview**

What does *real* love actually feel like—and how do you know when you’re experiencing it? In this episode, we unpack the differences between **infatuation**, **emotional dependency**, and **authentic love**, and why so many of us confuse one for another. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you felt was love or just attachment, this conversation is for you.

**Key Topics Discussed**

**1. Infatuation: The Spark That Burns Fast**

* Intensity, obsession, and idealization

* The role of novelty, fantasy, and projection

* Why infatuation feels overwhelming—but unstable

* Signs you’re in infatuation, not love

**Core question:**

> Do you love *them*, or how they make you feel?

#**2. Emotional Dependency: When Love Feels Like Survival**

* Needing someone to feel whole or safe

* Fear of abandonment disguised as passion

* How unmet emotional needs shape attachment

* Why dependency can feel deep—but draining

**Red flags discussed:**

* Anxiety when they pull away

* Losing your identity in the relationship

* Staying despite misalignment or mistreatment

---

#### **3. Authentic Love: Calm, Chosen, and Grounded**

* Love as a verb, not just a feeling

* Mutual respect, safety, and emotional freedom

* Choosing someone without needing them to complete you

* Growth *with* someone, not at your expense

**Key insight:**

> Authentic love feels steady—not intoxicating, not desperate, but secure.

---

If this episode resonated:

* Share it with someone navigating love or heartbreak

* Reflect on your past relationships through this lens

* Subscribe for more conversations on emotional clarity, relationships, and self-awareness.

“Do You Believe in Love?”

Core Message:

Welcome back to Season 2 with my Co-host for the month Coach and Leader Tomeka Jones.

Love is not merely a feeling or a seasonal idea — it is a commitment, an action, and a reflection of God’s love that shapes how we relate to Him and to others.

1. Opening Hook: What Do We Mean by “Love”?
2. • Valentine’s Day often promotes a romanticized version of love — but is that love sustainable?
   • Do people truly believe in love, or just the idea of love?
   • Valentine's Day is a cultural moment that often glorifies a romanticized vision of love, presenting it as an ideal that everyone should experience. But is this image of love sustainable in the long term?
   • As we indulge in candlelit dinners and flowery cards, one must ponder whether individuals genuinely believe in love itself or are simply enamored with the idea of love that society perpetuates. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of what love truly means and the various dimensions that define it, beyond mere romantic notions.
   • Is love an emotional bond or a construct shaped by external expectations?
   • Black History FACT Moment : Coretta Scott King