Love of the Creator

Love.  What does that really mean?  I have turned it over again and again in my mind, as if I’m trying to figure out a riddle.  Since Valentine’s Day was this week, I thought it would be appropriate to write a brief post on my recent reflections on the topic of love.  I have learned (or been reminded of) four characteristics of love recently.  First of all, love is not merely about feelings or attractions; rather, love is a choice.  Although feelings should not be completely disregarded, they should not be our main guide. I disagree with the idea of “following your heart” that is so commonly promoted today, because it is not Biblically supported.  Remember that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).  Trust God, He can do more than we ever could dream of in our simple hearts.

Second, love is about being a giver . . . over and over again, regardless of what I get in return.  It means giving up my desires for the sake of another person.  Love means doing my best to fulfill God’s best in the other person’s life, even if it hurts – possibly both parties. Third, true love does not have just one recipient (although there should be some primary recipients), but the love should flow over and extend even to strangers.  An example of this for me comes in daily driving, whether it is around town or down the highway for work or school.  I will be honest – a lot of people are very rude and selfish drivers.  Truly loving means letting that love flow over and giving those downright mean drivers a little grace (e.i., not blaring the horn or getting angry at them like they may deserve).   Pray for them, because they may have serious issues with their hearts.

Finally, and most importantly, love must start with the ultimate Lover – Jesus.  He sacrificed everything for us, only to be mocked, scourged, and treated like the scum of the earth, in spite of His status as Creator and Lord of all.  God keeps on giving to us, over and over again, regardless of how ungrateful and even hateful we are to Him.  Just like those rude drivers, we don’t deserve to be treated kindly by God.  If I got what I deserved, I would have been burning in Hell long ago, but because of God’s grace and love, there is hope for sinners like me.  Furthermore, that love that He gives to me fills me to overflowing, blessing those around me as well.  So are you willing to take on the challenge of love – love like Jesus?  It is not easy, but remember, our reward is in Heaven, not in earthly things.