CONNECTING POINT: The Degrees of Love

“Love” has always been an interesting word, and it is used within various contexts, so it’s vitally important to understand one’s intention. We can use “love” in flippant ways, such as “I love movie theater popcorn,” which has little bearing on relationships. Or we can use or misuse “love” in the context of

relationships that leave emotional scars or bring emotional healing. Love that is genuine and not egocentric is healthy and vibrant, and most of us long for this type of love to be extended our way. To be frank, most of us love those who have loved us back or loved us first. Love then becomes conditional. Jesus challenges those fragile notions of love.

One of the most profound and counterintuitive teachings of Jesus includes loving your enemy; this also happens to be one of the most difficult principles to understand. Context is key to understanding, and this command includes living in a way that seeks the good of another person, even an enemy. In no way is Jesus suggesting we enable or endorse abuse or evil. Personally, I don’t think within the context, Jesus directs His followers to be pacifists altogether. This challenge follows how we can be “blessed” even if we suffer for Christ’s sake. God is the ultimate judge and one day will make everything right.

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus boldly said, “But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” (Luke 6:27-36).

The degree of love Jesus exemplified and pointed us towards in the Greek is agape, which is unconditional and sacrificial. Demonstrating this love for many of us is possible with our family and friends, although not always easy. To show this kind of love to one’s enemy seems irrational and unconventional. This, my dear friends, is the love that Jesus calls us to, some may say, but not according to Jesus.

To love one’s enemy’s is to go to a level that is for the most part unheard of, doing so will involve a greater trust in God and a willingness to deal with the personal injuries or hurts directed our way.

Which degree of love do you want to aspire to live by? God’s love, which is selfless, or human-centered love, which is selfish.