“The seasons change and you change, but the Lord abides evermore the same, and the streams of His love are as deep, as broad and as full as ever.” — Charles H. Spurgeon
Love. Isn't it ironic that such a short word often defies definition yet stirs up such long conversations? This month, I am compelled to dive into the plethora of categories that are easily misunderstood. Take a deep breath; we are about to explore the depths of LOVE.
I have recently become addicted to The Chosen series, and one thing they do quite well is to depict the highs and lows of brotherly love among Jesus and The Disciples. This meaningful connection is sadly lacking in 2024 as the demands of life place the vice grip on all of us. When I think of brotherly love, I associate it with accountability, availability, encouragement, and fellowship. There is no need to link boxed candy or flowers with the word love, although that may well come into play. Love is all about noticing the needs around us and choosing to play an active role. Compassionate love should be built into our DNA. See the need. Seize the opportunity. Say “You matter!”
How do we know when we are moving into a God-pleasing love walk? There are no agendas allowed when we move into this arena. Selfless love looks for the wellbeing of the other person, instead of the payoff. Most of us are reward-driven, even if we think our motives are in check. Are we willing to make sacrifices that will never be celebrated or go viral on social media? Do we invest our time paying it forward without spilling the details to anyone who will listen? This love goes the distance behind the scenes breathing life into others.
The next one is woefully underrated--comfortable love can get us through the highs and lows until we find homeostasis. This reminds me of a lazy river (shoutout to my friend Trudy). This love is stable, refreshing, and self-regulating, without constant emotional swings. This is what you have left after the winds of change blow all the insignificant particles and chaff away. What remains is the foundational material that will not be eroded. The disciples were once enamored with Jesus, but as time went on, even they became comfortable and transparent with Him. There is something very intimate about surviving the most difficult seasons together and being known and accepted, despite your flaws.
Society often celebrates unsustainable love that is based on attraction alone; this requires maximum effort and minimum character. The hallmark of this "love" is that it is conditional, and it violates the nature of God because He places all the emphasis on the heart. Indeed, God DOES call us to practice radical love. But what does that look like? This love is often defined as: relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough. I envision a love that transcends boundaries to bring healing and break down walls of division. This love beckons us to venture outside of our comfort zones but aligns us with God's perfect will! This is the dreaded turn-the-other-cheek stuff.
The New Testament mandates that we "love one another" as a form of worship to God. This includes inconvenient love and loving the broken. February should be our clarion call to discern the times that we live in and love others lavishly--beyond church walls. But in hostile climates of offense, we avoid the hard work of being intentional. Gardeners know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to tending flowers because different conditions may produce different results. My aunt is teaching me this truth with her temperamental wax plant that stubbornly refuses to blossom. And yet, it has not been discarded. Fading love, like that plant, requires more work and nourishment, but it can be restored again.
Finally, there is nothing quite like first love. This love, in a natural sense, is characterized by passion, zeal and excitement. This is the fire that refuses to be extinguished because it is fed by an endless source of fuel. First love may come in the form of a new romance OR it may be seen in the obsession with a brand-new hobby, home or even a birth in the family. When first love takes hold, time stands still, and money is no object because great joy begins to trump logic. God recognizes and inhabits this love because the ultimate worship is to live with passion for The Kingdom. Love is a verb, and my prayer is that the newness of being His ambassador never wears off! May our love remain active during every season!
What is your personal definition of love?
How has God demonstrated love to you? 📭*Comment now (by scrolling to the very bottom) to join the dialogue. 👋I will choose one reader response to work into the next blog! Please help me share the inspiration and hope with new readers TODAY! 😊
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIRV)
The LORD appeared to us in the past. He said, "I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with faithful love.