The unspoken question most asked about love is, “What’s in it for me?” We are born with this compelling motive regarding love. We are born self-centered and self-consumed. So, if we love something or someone there must be a benefit to be gained. Young children love what makes them happy. Unfortunately, this is a pattern that we never outgrow apart from the saving work of Christ.
We were made to love, just as we were made to worship. But, because of sin, we love ourselves and we worship what is pleasing to our corrupt nature. Without being changed by God, both love and worship become distorted and lead to destruction rather than salvation.
In God’s mercy he sent Jesus Christ to redeem love and worship for his honor. In first John there is another 3:16 that tells us what love really is:
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
Christ redeemed the idea of love from ugliness of our hearts. Through Christ we can now say “what’s in it for God.”
You love naturally, but this natural love is not a love that can be trusted. You need Christ to redeem love along with the rest of who you are. If you follow Christ love becomes other-centered rather than self-centered.
Check out this definition for love from Get Wisdom! by Ruth Younts:
“Love is giving willingly of whatever I have to meet someone’s need.”
This fits with what Jesus says is love in John’s Gospel:
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
The command of Jesus rescues us from ourselves! It frees you and your children from the tyranny of self-love. Because of his death you can now love as Christ loved you.
Learn this prayer from Get Wisdom!. Teach it to your children.
“Lord, you love me perfectly. I want to be like Jesus, but often I’m selfish before I even think about it. I need your grace every day to help me love others. Thank you for helping me to grow and be more like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen”
“Love is giving willingly of whatever I have to meet someone’s need.”
