And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. ~1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1
The word “love” has lost so much of its true meaning. Movies, television, and reduced societal moral values has lowered the meaning to lust, like, even tolerate. But that is not the design of the word used in 1 Corinthians. God’s love is an absolute love – one that “never fails.” It’s a love not for what you can do for me in return, but one of just because you are you.
Unconditional love is not something seen very often today. We don’t even see it in every situation between a parent and a child – which you’d expect. We certainly don’t see it consistently in marriages. On rare occasions we see love demonstrated through heroic acts of sacrifice, but those are few in comparison. So to completely understand what true love is and how to live that way in community with God and others, we can only look to the love God designed and Jesus lived out. That is true love and the most important foundation to community.
Further Thoughts:
- What has been your experience with love? Give examples.
- Have you ever known unconditional love from another human being?
- Do you believe unconditional love is possible for mankind?
- How can we live in true love for those around us? What needs to change in our thought process and actions?
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