By: The Rev. Cathie P. Young
Love is the most potent force in this world and in all of creation. Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 13 that of the three greatest things – faith, hope, and love – only love will remain forever. Love is above all. And isn’t it interesting that in John 13:31-35, Jesus commands us to love? He doesn’t call us to love; He command us! How can we be commanded to love?
Isn’t love something which originates in our emotions and, therefore, can’t be fully subject to our will? Here in John 13, Jesus takes this potent word “love” and demonstrates for us that this great force is indeed subject to our will! His command to love tells us without doubt that, with Christ in us, we have all that we need to love one another.
To love is to be vulnerable. If you love, your heart will probably be broken more than once in your lifetime. If you want keep it intact, you must give your heart to no one. Don’t give it to the lost, the lonely, and the least of these who are looking for love to save them. Don’t give it to the unborn who cry out for someone to stand for their life against those whose business it is to destroy them. Don’t give it to the elderly, the sick, and the mentally fragile who are vulnerable to the risks of
euthanasia and who need our love to defend their existence.
Love is above all. And Christ’s command is that we love so others will know we are Christians. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Will you protect your heart? Or will you allow what matters to God’s heart matter to yours? Will you give your heart away? Will you love as Christ loved us?