… God is Love. (1 John 4:8)
Recent studies in neuroscience have shown that when a person is attracted to another, the brain constantly releases a set of chemicals, including pheromones, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin which stimulate the brains pleasure centre and lead to side effects such as an increased heart rate, loss of appetite, an intense feeling of excitement and loss of sleep. In other words, scientifically, it feels good to be in love. No wonder William Shakespeare made a killing with Romeo and Juliet (pun intended). People are wired for love.
There is a deep internal need in us to love and be loved. We were created in the image of God and God is love. But in this fallen world, love has certainly been distorted. We take advice on love from friends, romance novels and television. We let the need for a good dose of those pleasurable chemicals drive us towards the wrong places. We do everything for the image of love and reject the original love.
There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. (John 15:13)
How do you measure love? John 15:13 tells us how Jesus measures it. The cross is the place where true, great and full love was demonstrated. The rest of it is an image. This is where God intended for us to get our fix of love and we, in turn are called to give him perfect love (Luke 10:27). He illustrated His love to us by dying on the cross (Rom 5:8) and we are called to illustrate ours to Him by walking in His commandments (John 14:15). This does not mean love between people does not happen, after all, ‘it is not good for a man to be alone’ (Gen 2:8). But even that love, is measured against the sacrifice of Christ (Eph 5:25).
Applying this is the tough part. Accept, supply and expect. First we need to accept the love that God has already given. Even when times seem rough and it seems that God does not love us any more. Remember He has already proven Himself and that His love is perfected and free. Take it. Next, we must be willing to supply this love to others. Actions speak louder than words as they say. Love is more about opposite party than it is about oneself. Be willing to sacrifice. Lastly, we need to expect nothing less from those who say they love us. Their actions must show it. However, if people do not give you perfect love, you should still strive to love them perfectly because God’s love is not conditional, neither should ours be.
We are wired for love and we often take it and give it in its diluted form. My prayer is that we start going back to the original design.
With Love
Yunam
3 comments:
Wow, I´m so impressed by what you`re writing! You really have the insight into many things! Keep on thinking and writing as it will not only help yourself but also others can benefit!!!
What I really would like you to philosophise about is Religion, war and terrorism. I know, this is a very sad and divergent topic, but I feel it is so important especially because of many governments legitimating their wars with religious intensions. They just use certain religious aspects but ignore the most important ones: Love and respect for all beings created by god! Killing and suppressing people has nothing to do with Christianity, love or respect - it is the total difference. I cannot believe how the whole world can accept such stupid and Anti-Christian behaviours. Germany and other european countries (wihtin NATO) are discussing about missile defense for Europe. Defense weapons are also meant to be used in wars and they encourage other countries to do the same. The world will be full of weapons meant for "defense". Actually, they are meant for war, for killing people ... The world should not consist of opponents, but of brothers and sisters we love!!! That is what I feel about it.
Unam, you got a far deeper insight into Christianity than I have so far. Please comment - I am so looking forward to your opinion!!!
Hugs, Mareike :)
Ya , bro , i am with Marieke ....... You got it !
Wired4love whoop whoop! You really do have amazing insight!!! God inspired for sho! :)
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