THE POWER OF LOVE
You're probably familiar with 1 Corinthians 13 - the Love Chapter - and the verses that say, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have all these other gifts, but don't have love, I am nothing." And the chapter winds up by saying, "these 3 remain - faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Did you ever wonder why love is the greatest? This scripture defines it and there are many Biblical references to our commandment to love. But what makes love so special?
Think about it; if love is the greatest gift operating in our lives, it will show up in some very specific ways. I see three different areas where we become transformed by the power of love: (1) we become more effective, (2) we act more maturely and (3) the impact on us and others is immense.
We are more effective - In Chapter 14, Paul goes on to say "follow the way of love" and talks about edifying others. Webster's Dictionary defines edifying as "to instruct in such a way as to improve, enlighten, or uplift morally or spiritually." When you're effective, you get results. You can tell when people love what they do, can't you? Their passion, in whatever field, is contagious, and they inspire others to love what they love. I think of speakers who move me to action, authors who motivate me to change and baristas who make my day because they are totally dedicated to making the very best cup of my special coffee.
I remember Dr. Jekyll, (that was really his name) who taught a graduate course in Colorado history. Because of his love for history, our class went on tours of historical downtown Colorado Springs and presented final research papers around a campfire while camping out on Mt. Pisgah above Cripple Creek! You can bet that's a class I won't soon forget and yes, I came to love Colorado hisstory because Dr. Jekyll loved it. He was passionate; he was informative; and he was very effective.
We act more maturely - Right in the middle of this chapter about love, Paul says, "when I was a child, I talked, thought and acted like a child. When I became a man, I push childish ways behind me." No more sulking, feeling sorry for yourself or having temper tantrums! Interestingly enough, I also saw a definition for maturity that said the mature person has no apology for success, and no complaint. No complaining? When we are filled with love and don't complain, that's very powerful, indeed! Just as powerful are people who confidently use their God-given gifts to be successful. They don't need to ask for affirmation or seek compliments; they know who they are; a great description of maturity.
And finally, we feel better - and others feel better when they're around us. Let me show you what I mean.
Think for a minute about SOMETHING you just absolutely love - like a hot fudge sundae - or my husband and son would say going ATV riding, or getting a massage or foot rub. (Close your eyes and see what you love in your mind's eye and think about it.)
Now think of SOMEONE you just absolutely love - grandkids fit into this category very well! And what do you love about them? Their eyes, or their smile or those cute little cheeks you just can't help but pinch? Or is that person you love a parent, a spouse or a mentor, a special friend? What makes you love them? How do they love you? (Close your eyes and see them in your mind's eye and focus on the love you feel for them.)
Now think of SOME PLACE you just love -- is it the mountains? Maybe walking barefoot on the beach? Maybe it's your own backyard. I absolutely love waking up early in the morning and looking out through our high windows to see the moon and the stars shining through. It's as though God and I are enjoying our own private show. (Close your eyes and go to that special place you love -- see it in your mind's eye.)
You can think of your favorite pets, music, colors, seasons, flowers; the list can go on and on. And if you close your eyes and think about those special things, I guarantee you'll feel something special.
And what about what you love TO DO? Even if it's not here yet -- maybe it's still in the dream stage - but as you love this idea, as you thnk of a DREAM you have, a HOPE for the future, a PLAN you want to put into action, as you LOVE this idea and you think of all the possibilities - Hey! What will it be like when I finish the book, get the new property, become the person who makes a difference? (Yes, close your eyes right now and love this!)
How do you feel now that you've thought about what you love? If you're like me, I get all teary-eyed and filled with gratitude for all the people, things and ideas I love. Like an uncontrolled virus spreading, I'm passionate about this greatest gift. Watch out! I'm contagioius!
What if you invested 3 minutes a day just going through the above exercise and immersing yourself in love? You'll become someone who (1) is more effective, (2) acts more maturely, and (3) who feels better and positively impacts those around you.
And you'll be able to say with the apostle Paul - there's faith, hope and love. But love? That's the greatest!
