Gò0dNews for Everyone
What Does It Mean to Love?
W
by Dr. Alan Hix
ell, February has now arrived so get ready for
flipped it to mean “love is god” instead? Much of society’s
some candy! As we focus on Valentine’s day,
view of love seems to reflect this perspective.
people will be talking about love in many
different ways. I thought about some approaches we have seen to love
When we think about what true love looks like, what does Scripture mean when it declares “God is love?” In Romans 5:8, the Apostle Paul states “But God demonstrates
in film over the years. The 1970 film “Love Story” ended
his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
with the declaration that “love means never having to say
Christ died for us” (NIV). Jesus would state in John 10:11,
you’re sorry.” In the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” in a
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (NIV). God’s love for us is described in terms of self-sacrifice. When Paul addresses human relationships, he uses that same sacrificial language: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” Ephesians 5:25 (NIV). Jesus speaks of love on the night before his crucifixion declaring, “If you love me, keep my commands” John 14:15 (NIV). Jesus helps his disciples see that their love for him is not solely demonstrated by a depth of emotion, but more significantly by a commitment to obedience. What we can glean from this brief survey is that true love is defined by sacrifice and commitment. In
song entitled “Do You Love Me?,” love is described in
other words, love is a choice we make, not a feeling we
terms of what a couple does for one another. In a different
discover. More than ever, our troubled world needs to see
approach, in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” when
the children of God choose to love. The focus of our love is
Princess Leia declares her love for Han Solo, his response
not just to be directed to those close to us, but even to those
is a warm-fuzzy “I know.” On the opposite end of the
who are different from us in many ways and approach life
spectrum, a main theme in “The Princess Bride” is that true
from a different worldview. Jesus urges his disciples in that
love conquers all—even death. Elsewhere in media, love
same discourse, “By this everyone will know that you are
travels other roads—some of them noble, and some of them
my disciples, if you love one another” John 13:35 (NIV). So,
very dark.
this Valentines Day, choose to love!
This Valentine’s Day, when you give your significant often in our relationships do we find ourselves saying: “If you loved me, you would do ______.” How often have we taken the declaration in 1 John 4:8 that “God is love,” and
46 // February 2021
About The Author
other a card and say “I love you,” what do you mean? How
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
