Freedom is one of the highest and dearest principles for relationships. It is synonymous with, if not the same as, grace. Yet, it is not the most important element for superior relationships. If freedom is not placed below another principle, relationships will suffer from irresponsible freedom.

Consider gravity. Like freedom, gravity is subject to at least one higher principle because heavy planes can fly. How is it that those giant passenger and cargo planes, some weighing more than 600 tons, can fly when gravity is real? How is it that birds fly when gravity is real? There is a higher principle or law, Bernoulli’s principle – which creates a lift force on an airfoil when energy is applied to the airfoil.

Your freedom is subject to the highest principle – LOVE, especially when other people are involved. Love – “pursues the best for others; patiently, kindly, sacrificially, and unconditionally.”

A good friend of ours, Victoria Printz, once said, “Love trumps freedom.” What a great, simple statement to remember. Love does trump freedom – love is not only more important than freedom, but it also promises, promotes, and provides the responsible use of freedom.