Written by Debora Rodrigo de Racancoj
Love. The emotion that is most talked about in society. It is easy to turn on the radio or television and listen to things like: "Everything you need is love," "Love went away," or "How I wish I did not love you." But... what does the present society know about love?
As society has told me so many times, it seems that love comes to our lives in an unexpected way. Suddenly, without being able to avoid it, it installs itself in our heart and acts for us. It makes us feel uncontrollable impulses, causes physiological symptoms, even butterflies in the stomach. And suddenly, it leaves, also without warning. Love is over.
What is clear is that the love of the Bible (1 John 4: 7-12) has nothing to do with these statements. The source of love is found in God, who was the first to love and to demonstrate His love. Whoever drinks from that source will have love within him, and will therefore be able to love. Whoever does not, won’t. It’s as simple as that.
Love in the Bible is not a mere emotion. It is also not a feeling that lasts if the conditions are right for it. The love of which the Bible speaks is a way of life. It is a decision. It is giving oneself to others. It is putting one's priorities as secondary, and those of others at a higher level. It is to give our life in the same way that Jesus gave His.
You may be thinking that it is impossible to align your life with that of Jesus. I agree with you. But what if I give you a more human example? Paul lived a good part of his life completely devoted to God and to others. He describes his life as a drink offering (Phil. 2:17). A drink offering consists of a liquid that drops, drop by drop until fully consumed. Such was the life of Paul. Every day, every minute of his life was slowly poured out in favor of God and his brothers. Until his life was over. This is love. However, it was not until Paul had an encounter with God and received the love of God that he could begin this lifestyle of love (Acts 9: 5).
Come to God. Let Him fill you. And then love God and love others.