What’s Love?

There is a growing deficit in our community, country and the world. It is not a budget shortfall or a sports team needing to fill positions or the lack of teachers, medical staff and support staff in certain areas. The deficit I am sharing is the lack of love in many areas of our lives. People have not stopped loving one another but they have ceased showing love through their actions and attitudes. So many are angry, upset and unhappy with themselves and are taking it out on those around them. This is a lot for those around them can sometimes handle. The love deficit is not only among the young, the troubled or those struggling with loneliness. There is a decline of loving behavior among Christians.

This decline is not new or surprising. Jesus addressed this problem with his disciples at that time and with us today. It seems the love problem is not new and will be with us if people are determined to do things their way and live a life that does not consider the needs of others.

Jesus shares with us his view on how we should treat one another. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV. Jesus has given us a life lesson that will not only change our view of love, but it will help those we serve, work with and are in relationship with to know what love is. Love is an action word that can be demonstrated daily especially in how we treat others.

Love is the foundation of our faith and gives people hope in distressing times like the ones we live in. The songwriter says, “What the world needs now is love sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of What the world needs now is love, sweet love No not just for some, but for everyone.” (Burt F. Bacharach / Hal David)

This is a timeless message that could change our minds, our thoughts, our actions and our lives. Scripture further encourages us to live in love by our deeds. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:8-9 NIV.

What is love? It is the unconditional affection and attention we give to ourselves and others. It is done with generosity and grace. Love is helpful, kind, promotes unity and reconciliation. Love shows up when we forgive others. Love shows up when we support those in their time of need whether they supported us or not. Love is hard sometimes but it is necessary and most of all, we all need love! Share love today because people need love now more than ever.

Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center