We often think of love as being compassionate and kind. And certainly it is. But love is also cunning – willing to do what’s needed to provide for the good of others. And often this means we must be willing to change our tactics to fit the needs of each particular situation.
For instance, parents are committed to loving each of their children. But each child is different, which means each must be approached differently, despite having the same ultimate goal of growing in maturity. And when it’s clear a particular approach is not working for a child, love demands we switch our approach to still provide what is needed.
While one child might resonate with a warm and fuzzy approach to parenting, another might need a more direct approach with stricter discipline. Either way, love calls for us to change our tactics as needed for each of our children to grow into the fullest of who God has created them to be.
And this same cunningness in love is needed throughout our life and relationships. For example, in marriage, we must consider if it’s better to speak into our wife’s heart through soft and subtle messages, through more direct and clear approaches, or some combination of both. Our motivation is love either way. And we’re no longer practicing love when we only speak in a way that’s natural to us but doesn’t resonate with her heart.
In the end, love is not merely sweet and gentle when this is not what’s needed in a particular situation or relationship. It’s crafty enough to adjust to the needs of each moment. Be cunning in your practice of love.
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