In a 1970 romantic drama called Love Story, Jenny made a statement to Oliver, “Love is never having to say you are sorry.”
How ironic? Love, or at least a like for another, always grows when an apology is given from one person to another. What does “never having to say you are sorry” mean? Is anything of value being stated? Where is the accountability? However, love is still thought of today as a romantic feeling, not a decision.
That brings us to God! His view of love is radically shown to be very different. Instead of being a warm gushy feeling, love is shown as an action.
I absolutely love this story… The Pharisees asked a question of Jesus. Let’s look at His answer as these specific verses highlight love:
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
These verses point directly to two loves:
- Love for God
- Love for others who are made in God’s image
Other verses on Love….
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Three things will last forever – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)
We need to tell our children from a young age what love really is. Then as they grow up, discerning real love will not be an issue. Love is an action, and not a feeling.
