We understand love is important. And we can work hard at it. But often we still miss its deeper purpose. We are oriented toward love when we ourselves are becoming the gift.
Christ gave himself for us. And we follow his example by doing the same. This means we must learn to offer ourselves on purpose to be a source of life and goodness for others.
Of course, at times we do simply what is useful to others. But when our orientation is primarily to be needed, then bitterness and resentment soon take root. We feel taken for granted when we put in long hours at work or bend over backwards to help our wife and no one seems to notice or even care. Our help here is not motivated by love.
In the same way, when our orientation is primarily about appearing good, then our focus becomes more on image management rather than true love. Certainly, it feels good to receive accolades at work and many praises at home. But these warm and fuzzy feelings should not be confused with love.
To be orientated toward love is to follow the example of Christ. He didn’t just do useful things for others, though he was willing to wash their feet. And he was not seeking to be admired per se, though he accepted the glory given to him and was given the highest place of honor by God. Christ was love incarnate. He became love through his very presence and being. And this is the call for us as well.
We become the gift of love we offer to others – not to make a name for ourselves, but to imitate Christ. And this keeps our practice of love pointed in the right direction.
Where is your practice of love actually aimed?
