What Is Love, Anyway?
By: Maria Enns
“Lord, teach me to love like You love. I lack so much!” is my heart’s cry. “What is love, anyway?”
If I can prove my point with passionate conviction and persuasive eloquence, but I lack the fervour of Christ’s love, my presentation becomes meaningless clatter and wearisome background noise.
Though I have the gift of managing my home, keeping the house in tip-top shape and my children like ducks in a row; and though I conquer the mountain of homeschooling, overcoming learning difficulties and juggling schedules; but I accomplish it commander-style without the sparkle of love, I have attained nothing of eternal value.
Though I bring every new mom a meal and invite a crowd every Sunday; though I drive myself to the point of emotional and physical burnout; and do it only out of obligation to maintain my reputation, I have gained nothing of lasting value.
Love teaches and corrects again and again…for the gazillionth time, with firm kindness, not with exasperation. Love is content with her stage of life, not wishing for the next phase or different circumstances… “If only…”
Love is not rude, not even to her children; does not pursue personal ambitions to the neglect of her husband and children; is not irritable and snappy when her agenda is interrupted; does not nurse negative thoughts, whether real or imaginary.
Love doesn’t delight in finding fault and “putting them in their place”, but rejoices in seeing spiritual growth and stability.
Love says:
“I can do all things through Christ.”
“All things are possible to she who believes.”
“This too shall pass.”
“Just one step at a time.”
Love will last into eternity. Someday managing skills will no longer be needed; persuasive eloquence will be obsolete; earthly knowledge will melt away.
All that will be left in eternity will be that which we have done in love and truth.
Faith will vanish into sight;
Hope be emptied in delight;
Love in heaven will shine more bright;
Therefore give us love.