What's Love

“Love” is probably the most talked about virtue in which the meaning is assumed and seldom considered. Few people have given much thought to understanding or defining love. What is Love? Can the scientist or the secular humanist explain love? Some have attempted to explain love as a chemical, naturalistic response that has evolved for the preservation of humanity. They see love as mechanistic rather than an affection for the care and common good of others. 

We see groups claim to love country, political ideologies, gender equality, and gender fluidity, while hating all those who do not agree.

Eastern Religions are dismissive of love as they see the highest spiritual state as the absence of desire for that which is material (people and things). Many in our culture today view love as purely emotional (feelings) and romantic (desires). We love what makes us feel good, valued, satisfied, or happy. This places oneself as the focus of love rather than others. 

Historically, a Biblically informed view of love was rooted in esteem, benevolence, and delight offend for others. Love can be described as the highest of human ethics, the peak of all intellectual and emotional alignment (brain and heart), which places value and worth on another person as something to be protected. 

In 1 John 4:7-12, we learn that God is love, and the greatest evidence for God’s saving work in your life is your love for God and one another. This Sunday, join us as we explore the meaning of love.