DEVOTION

Math is not for everyone.

Some people love numbers. They are energized by mathematical equations. Other people break out in hives just thinking about their “guzzintas.” (What is a “guzzinta” you ask? You know… 2 guzzinta 4, 4 guzzinta 8, 8 guzzinta 16, etc. You never watched The Beverly Hillbillies?)

I’m okay at math and as a result, I have been asked to tutor folks from time to time in basic math and algebra. When I tutor, I always try to start with the basics. In algebra, there is one basic and fundamental principle when solving an equation: whatever you do to one side of the equals sign, you must do the same to the other side of the equals sign. If you fail to adhere to this principle, you will never get the correct answer. If you fail to grasp this axiom, then your math experience will be repeated failure, followed by intense frustration…quite possibly leading to even greater displays of emotion. (Or so I’ve been told.)

Just as this basic truth is essential to math, the above verses from Colossians tell us that love is an essential truth to how we are to live as followers of Christ. The Apostle Paul lists some very admirable virtues: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. But those virtues on their own are incomplete. They need love “which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Love is the key.

This is not the only place in the New Testament where Paul makes this point. In 1 Corinthians 13, he spends the first three verses reminding the readers that without love his eloquence, his prophecy, his knowledge, his selflessness, and even his suffering is meaningless and nothing.

Our very own Sandi Patty has recently begun to use the phrase “Lead with love.” I think it perfectly sums up what Paul is telling us about how we are supposed to treat one another and interact with a culture that is openly hostile to biblical Christianity. More than that, I think this phrase accurately reflects the true heart of our Savior, which is the same heart that should be in each of us.

The Christian author, Dane Ortlund, in his book Gentle and Lowly describes Jesus in this manner: “The Jesus given to us in the Gospels is not simply one who loves, but one who is love; merciful affections stream from his innermost heart as rays from the sun.” And still later he quotes Thomas Goodwin who writes: “Christ is love covered over in flesh.” If only my own life had such love at its very core.

The way Jesus loved was attractive to others. The people of Israel wanted to experience that love first-hand because they knew the love Jesus offered was unlike—and greater than—any love they would ever know. The love Jesus offered had no cost, no strings attached, no conditions. It was free, and it was life-giving. This is the same love that dwells within us and that the Holy Spirit compels us to give away to others. If we are truly committed to following Jesus, then we must love as he loved. We must lead with love.

To be certain, in the midst of the social and political polarization we find consuming our culture, leading with love can be a challenge. This is why I believe the body of Christ needs to be known by love, now more than ever. Love must be our defining characteristic. Speak the truth, but speak out of love and compassion, not judgment and condemnation. The world will quickly tune us out as “a resounding gong or clanging cymbal” without it.

Lead with love.

PRAYER

Lord,

Through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus, you showed us what authentic love looks like. It is a love our world is desperate to receive. According to your divine plan, you have placed us in a time of history where we can share this love with a broken and hurting world bent on self-destruction. Father, allow your perfect love to fill us to overflowing so out of the abundance, we will freely share that love with our friends, neighbors, and even those who deny your existence. Lead us with love so we may lead others to you.

Amen.

Michael Milligan

Pastor of Pastoral Care

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