What is Love?
How can love be so central to Christianity?
It is no mystery life in 1st century AD was brutal. Wealth was concentrated to extreme degrees. Rights were given only to the elite and powerful. War, famine, and disease was a constant fight. Survival of the fittest ruled the day, while many were thrown into the recesses of society never to be thought of again. Gladiator fights were a spectacle, and infant exposure was common. Exposure was the practice of leaving a newborn baby out in the elements to die because they had some imperfection or undesirable trait, which the parents deemed unacceptable. People cared only for themselves and how they could get ahead. And into this mess, a religion arose which valued love above all. I find it quite strange that in the many philosophical conversations happening in Rome at the time, that a small upstart in the backwoods of Israel convinced the world that love was valuable.
Love is a challenging idea to properly define, specifically because it is so overused. Love is found everywhere in Western society. Today it is often portrayed in loving yourself, while love for others is demonstrated through toleration and approval. Love in movies is the main goal for many people, to learn to love and accept themselves and find someone who will love them. Is this accurate? Maybe in part. Love definitely has an aspect of accepting a person regardless of fault.
The doctrine of the incarnation is probably a Christian’s best guide to get a handle on what love is. But it takes time and reflection. It is not an easy answer. Consider Him who being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage, but He made Himself nothing, taking on the nature of a servant. God became human. Jesus was God as a human on earth. Fully man and fully God. Forsaking the rights He could use as creator of the universe. Simply taking time to really consider this mystery. It will take time. It is not a solution to your everyday issues. Rather a constant reminder of the love of God demonstrated in Jesus. It’s beauty and grace is far beyond us, yet we are invited to consider it more and more. The incarnation is such a central pillar of our faith. And it continues to speak to us today.
Love is deep and sacrificial. But only if our eyes are turned toward Jesus and His example. Asking for His power and Spirit to strengthen us for these difficult days. Yes, I have not given a deep knowledgeable definition of love. Of its application and extent. Because I can’t. Only Jesus can in His example. So don’t look to my explanation. Look to His. And consider how love formed the basis of a movement that took over the world and has shaped almost everything you value today. Jesus is the center of what we think of love, and without Him, love does not work, nor make any sense.