What is your first thought when someone says they love you? Do you immediately think of the emotional love between couples? How often do you tell others you love them? How do you show that you love them? Is it emotional love or something much deeper?
Many of us think of love as an emotional love. Though that is the version of love that brings couples together initially, it is not the lasting love that keeps relationships together. Nor is it the love that Jesus speaks of when He tells us we are to love one another.
In Christian circles, we often call the love Jesus references “unconditional love.” Though it is, I wonder if we have heard it so often that we no longer understand what it means. Perhaps it has become a rote saying, one that we state without thinking. Might I suggest we think about it a bit deeper. Rather than simply stating the learned answer, let’s attempt to define it more completely.
The love Jesus speaks of is unconditional, but it is also a committed love. It is based on a decision we make. In other words, we decide to love someone regardless of what they may do or say, which makes it unconditional. We do not seek some return on the love we show to them. Instead, we seek to demonstrate the love of Jesus.
Demonstrating that love is another part of the equation. A committed love is not based on words nor solely spoken of. It requires action. We must demonstrate our love for others by doing. That action may take the form of helping, providing for, or praying for others. The love Jesus spoke of is demonstrated in both word and deed.
I pray we all decide to love one another. I pray we commit to love unconditionally, just as Jesus did. I pray each one of us will demonstrate our love for one another in word and in deed. Love one another. Love unconditionally. Put your love in action. Demonstrate your love.
John 13:34 “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
Marty Pressey 