Where’s the Love?
Our culture appears to be more divided than anytime I can recall in my life. Many people display the feelings of victimization if anyone disagrees with them. Instead of agreeing to disagree or having a conversation, many of these situations are fueled by anger, hate, and frustration. Such mentalities lead to division, brokenness, and an ever growing feeling of alienation. The question truly must be: where’s the love?
From the Christian perspective, understanding these dynamics are fairly simple. The environment of the culture is being fueled by the sin nature that exists within all of us. At the same time, many find themselves not only acting out of the desires of the flesh and the pride of life, but also refuse to live under the basic command of the Lord. The Bible says, “And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.” (1 John 4:21). So again, where’s the love?
The love that binds and brings unity is grounded in the command of God to love others. The Bible says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another” just as I have loved you, you also love one another.” (John 13:34). The command requires that people love one another. This command is not a simple suggestion, but rather a directive. Love forms the foundation by which agreement and agreement to disagree with respect are grounded.
This love does not love like the love of the world, but instead mirrors the love exemplified by Christ. The love we must have for one another ought to be sacrificial in nature. Jesus modeled this love by sacrificing his life so that the debt needed to be paid for our sin could be dealt with. The love for one another must be committed. This means that love should not be based on selfish gain or adjustable if another option comes along, but rather committed completely through the journey of life. Likewise, love should be compassionate and visible. This means that love extends to others with genuine care for the individual. This does not mean there is always harmony or agreement, but it means that care remains constant.
Jesus spoke to the manner of love for others when he declared, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27). People often see themselves in a different light than they see others. They seek to justify their own mistakes and misquotes while crucifying others for theirs. Jesus reminds us that our love for others must be the same as our love for ourselves. This love must not be in word alone, but in word and deed. So, where’s the love?
The Bible not only commands that people love one another, but the Bible defines for us the character of loving one another. The Bible says, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3). Note that the Apostle Paul spoke to the personal character of love. Authentic love carries the characteristics of humility, gentleness, and patience. Thus, love restrains from over reacting and maintains a proper perspective.
At the same time, the Bible clearly states that the character of love must be lived out. Peter wrote in the Bible, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8). Thus, the critical component to working through issues with others is love. Love pushes through disagreements and issues and serves as the base for reconciliation and connection with others. As a result, love is not a mere emotion, but a foundational activity that ultimately brings for a bond of peace. So again, where’s the love?
As we approach Valentine’s Day this year and our world focuses on the term love, may we not fall prey to the emotional sense of the word but rather live our foundational love. May love be the basis by which the division and anger controlling our culture be overcome and unity even when disagreement comes forth. May love drive us to respect one another as individuals and lead us to live in a manner that is selfless, sacrificial, and supreme. Where’s the love? Hopefully the love can be found in us.
