Love Deeply, Love With Purpose

Love is one of the most powerful words in our language, and there are a thousand different definitions floating around concerning love. 

I think most people, regardless of their religious beliefs, background, or personality, would say the world needs more love. The challenge is, what we mean by that varies so greatly. 

Imagine for a moment you are looking at a person who is standing on the side of the road with a sign asking for help. One see love as, "We can't help them where they're at, that will only encourage them to stay there. They need tough love." Another might look at the same person and say, "They are the poor and hungry, it is my moral or religious responsibility to do something to help them." Of course, outside of these two examples of response, there are still a thousand more that people could say or think. 

The passage that I look to the most, when I think of love is a common one.

1 Corinthians 13:5-7 "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

This passage is so full of explanation, definition, and above all, is extremely challenging for me.

Love is not simple, love is not shallow, and love is not one thing.

This world does indeed need more love, but the love the world needs is this kind of love. Sometimes what people need is your patience which could be less about what we say. Sometimes what people need is kindness which could be more about what we do or say. Love is also a lot about who we are or how we think. 

My challenge to you, is consider, what are some opportunities for you to love that you can walk into this week? How might this list help you in your pursuit of love? Regardless of what it is, get out there and walk it out. Love people, love deeply really considering them and their circumstance, but also consider what's going on inside yourself. This will help us love people not only with depth, but with purpose and to great benefit for them.