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Everyday Love
| Christians are called
to show love in their life. However, the English word “love” is used in
different ways. Mostly the word is used to represent the various
emotions associated with romance as can be seen with half the popular
songs ever written. The bible uses the word “love” (along with
“charity”) to translate the Greek word “agape”. This word is defined in
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and can be summed up as selflessness.
One might see how a person may give up his life for his children or
wife as an act of selfless love. However, this sort of love can also be
seen in a thousand lesser ways as well. Consider a small everyday
occurrence of encountering a store clerk who is harried and getting
behind. One could say, “Since you are working twice as hard, at least
they are paying you twice as much”. This semi-humorous comment can get
a response like, “yeah sure”. However, many can be appreciative that
their work is recognized and their circumstances appreciated.
In the example above one can see the ignoring of any personal annoyance
and an appreciation of what another person is going through. This
ability to give consideration to others is a result of a degree of
transcending one’s self focus.The ability to expand one’s awareness to
the concerns of others can be accomplished by a diminishment of forces
driving self-focus.
In the movie “Fiddler on the Roof” a song is sung between a husband and
wife. In the song the husband asks his wife if she loves him. The wife
is a little annoyed by what she considers a foolish question and
answers, “For twenty-five years I’ve washed your clothes, prepared your
meals, and taken care of your children, if that’s not love, what is?”
This song captured much of what self-sacrificial love is.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. - 1 Timothy 6:8
Paul writes that he knows how to be abased and how to abound almost as
if those conditions are irrelevant. One key to this sort of life is to
see in Christ all that one needs. It is in this certainty that pride,
fear, lust, greed, ambition, and desires of the flesh can diminish.
This leaves the opportunity to be aware of others and their needs. A
friend or coworker can be inquired of as to how they are doing with a
concern that shows a real interest.
One can see everyday love with parents who care for their children. One
can also see it with those who extend care to the children of others.
Holding a door for someone, offering a bus seat to the elderly, or
offering for someone to go ahead in line can all be ways to show a
concern for others. By being aware of how we interact with others, we
can begin to measure our own self-involvement. These opportunities can
be used to practice other orientation and thus the forbearance of love
in favor of others. In a way John the Baptist can be an example of
giving way to Jesus;
He must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30
Jesus is the highest example of love we have. He gave up his life that
we could have life eternal. Perhaps it was when the disciples were
arguing about who was to be the greatest at the last supper that Jesus
started to wash their feet.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought
to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that
ye should do as I have done to you. - John 1314-15
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