- The problem is we have relied on worldly definitions to express our love to each other
- Today’s ‘love in action’ is a warped version of the one our God intended for it to be
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What is love? This is a pertinent question we have all asked ourselves or one another at one time or the other. In the contemporary context, it is considered a weakness to show love, especially within the scenario of a romantic relationship.
Love is a scam…love is a weakness…roho si ya kupenda, ni ya kupiga damu pekee. These are the common statements associated with this powerful emotion.
Yet for all the negativity we attach to it, all human beings – even the most cruel – love somebody or something and crave to receive the same in return. The problem is we have relied on worldly definitions to express our love to each other. Today’s ‘love in action’ is a warped version of the one our God intended for it to be.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is a verse familiar to many people who spend time in God’s word. It is a portion of the scripture that outlines the characteristics of true love as exemplified by the Lord Himself in his relationship with us.
This week, I re-read this verse and while meditating on it, I asked myself some hard questions that opened my eyes to how distorted the practice of love has been. How can I say my love does not keep a record of wrongs yet I still hold grudges and bitterness in my heart against my exes who wounded me long time ago?
We have no one to blame but ourselves because we have clearly digressed from the definition of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. And when the fake love we practise does not meet our expectations, we conclude that love, overall, is a scam and a waste of time.
How can I say the love I have does not delight in evil yet I feel happy when my sworn enemy is going through hard times? If I say the love in me does not envy, then why am I never happy when my friends make it in life? (eg a promotion, getting married or a scholarship et al).
If I say my love is not self-seeking, then why do I break up with my boyfriend/girlfriend the moment they lose their jobs or go broke? If I say my love does not dishonour others, then why am I dating this man or woman knowing full well they are married and that I am hurting the one being cheated on?
These are questions I invite to ask ourselves as we read this portion of scripture. As we read and compare with our lives, may our hearts be pricked and jolted to the reality of the hypocrisy we have been practising in the name of love.
We have no one to blame but ourselves because we have clearly digressed from the definition of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. And when the fake love we practise does not meet our expectations, we conclude that love, overall, is a scam and a waste of time.
May the words of Paul in Romans 12:9 ring loud in our ears through this week: “Love must be sincere; hate what is evil, cling to that which is good.” It is as simple as that.