Does this seem like an outrageous statement to you? While everybody can demonstrate some aspects of love by being kind, encouraging and generous toward others, to truly seek the wellbeing of another person requires a godly person. What do you think about this statement? Consider what light the following truths about love shed on this affirmation.
1) "What advantage is it for a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his own soul?" Mark 8:35
A person's wellbeing is determined, not by how much he might be enjoying life (Luke 6:25) nor by his physical health, but whether he is under grace as a child of God. For someone to be capable of truly seeking the wellbeing of another person, he or she needs to be able to point another person to Jesus. Even if a non-Christian is very kind and generous toward a friend and blesses that friend's life in may ways (and this is good), unless he or she is capable of pointing another person to Christ what ultimate advantage was gained for the friend's wellbeing?
2) "Love does not seek its own." 1 Corinthians 13:5
Since most people have experienced the good feelings which come from showing love and also know the personal advantage which can be derived from being known as someone who cares for others, acts of love might arise from many different motivations. The character of true love shines clearly when there is no personal advantage, but rather through seeking the well being of another comes at a personal price.
Because Jesus loved the rich young ruler, he told him the truth about what he was lacking. Mark 10:21 Perhaps Jesus would have gained a friend if he had simply smiled and said "everything is fine." But then, Jesus would not have really cared about him. Sometimes caring about the well being of others can cost you in personal comfort and friendship.
It might be easy for a woman to nod affirmation and acknowledgement as another lady shares gossip. It can be difficult to love the friend by gently pointing out that gossiping is not good for her. But if she cares about her friend she will warn her.
It can be easy to just be one of the guys and enjoy various activities together. But to really care about them means telling them about Jesus. Love is not self-seeking.
Because love is not self-seeking, to love someone requires more than just being kind, generous and affirming. It leads a person to seek another's best interests even when doing so might carry a personal price tag.
Those who care about others speak the truth in love. To truly be loving requires a godly person.
Barry Newton © 2000
Other articles on love which may be of interest:
The Healing God Who ConfrontsA Lost Verse of the Bible? (The Value of Confronting Sin)
Love Changes How Someone May Interpret Another Person
What is the Christian Thing to Do? (What does it mean to be a loving person?)