Is Love All I Really Need?

For those of you old enough to remember, there was a song in the 60’s by the Beatles called “All You Need is Love.” The chorus went “All you need is love, love is all you need.” I know, it doesn’t sound too deep, but I never thought the song was actually very profound. I’m sure it was by accident, but nonetheless, it spoke great biblical truth.

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible has to be 1 Corinthians 13. It is often called “The Love Chapter.” While the above mentioned song said we just need love to exist it failed to mention what love is. It’s a word that is used everywhere and in every circumstance and situation. You often hear “I love this steak,” I love you forever,” “I love this house,” “I love my job.” The list goes on and on.

If we like something just a little, we seem to love it. But what is love. If I did a man on the street interview I’m sure I would come up with answers that all point to feelings. If I like a certain something or someone enough it will produce a feeling of love. In the relational scene you often hear “I met someone special and we fell in love.” Have you ever thought if you can fall in love then you could somehow fall “out of love?”

Somehow, love has to be more than a feeling or we will be swayed all day long by how we feel. What does the apostle Paul say about love in 1 Corinthians 13 4:7. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

It sure sounds like a lot more than a feeling. It seems more like an action to me. I could spend weeks going thru each aspect of the love chapter, but suffice is to say it takes a conscious action on my part to be loving. And don’t confuse liking someone with loving them. I know my wife loves me unconditionally, but I know there are days when she probably doesn’t like me a whole lot. Don’t get me wrong, God gives us the feeling that love produces, but it is so much more.

God is calling us to set aside our feelings, not just with our spouses, but with everyone when it comes to loving them. If I’m whining and complaining over slow service in a restaurant then I’m not showing God’s love. If I forgive someone one day, but then throw it back in their face at a later date in the heat of a moment I’m not being very loving. “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion-how can God’s love be in that person?” 1 John 3:16-17

It’s clear that talk is cheap when it comes to love. Anyone can say “I love you,” but when you’re in a pinch can you count on them? “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18

Paul is saying that we can do and accomplish many great things, but if we don’t love others it’s all for nothing. So the next time you don’t feel like loving that difficult person on the phone, in your workplace or even in your home try doing something that is loving and watch how God works and He brings you the feeling alongside the action.

How important is this love thing to God? “Three things will last forever-faith, hope and love- and the greatest of these is love” 1 Cor 13:13. I encourage you this week to spend some time in this chapter and gain the whole context. I think God would really love it if you did.