Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love. (Phil. 2:2)
I read somewhere that “committed love is the power to surrender my right to get what I desire so that the person I love can get what he or she truly needs.” In other words, when my desires conflict with your true and legitimate need, I will opt for your needs. Think about that. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are in the unique position of being able to contribute to the joy and unity of our churches. One of the keys to that is our willingness to extend committed love to others—even those with whom we disagree.
True committed love does at least three more things for others: (1) It affirms the unconditional and unique value of the person loved—they are significant. (2) It acknowledges and attempts to fulfill the needs of the person loved—we are willing to sacrifice for them. (3) It forgives the failings of the person loved and moves forward in reconciliation with them—they are salvageable.
Great words: significant, sacrifice, and salvageable. Do any of these words describe your personal relationships in your family and church? Do we affirm unconditionally the unique value and contributions of others? Do we attempt to understand their point of view and meet their needs? Do we forgive and leave in the dust their mistakes or do we carry them along as points of leverage?
As you pray, ask God to help you to demonstrate the same love to others that he has demonstrated to you.
About the Author
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.
