LOVE AT NO COST

While society has changed greatly since creation, one thing has
remained
constant: man's desperate desire for love. As far back as Adam and Eve,
man has constantly sought after an ultimate connection.
Modern society is no different when it comes to the need to be loved,
evident in the glitz and glamour of the world around us. If you listen
to any music station on the radio, at some point you'll likely hear a
love song that includes the ageless romantic mantra, "I'll be there for
you." The recent reality show craze on television has focused on
society's inherit longing for love. Similarly, every February 14th we
load up our credit cards with material displays of affection-roses,
chocolates, and exquisite dinners.
From a relationship standpoint-whether it is marriage, friendship,
family, or dating-it's assuring to know that there is someone out there
who always has our best interests in mind. But how often do we display
that same unconditional attitude towards those we love?
Thomas Merton said, "Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one
loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of
themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward." Yet, how often do we
view love as something to be bartered for, rather than something to be
freely given?
One of the most poignant examples of unconditional love comes from Luke
15-the story of the Prodigal Son (also referred to as "The Parable of
The Forgiving Father"). In this parable, Jesus describes a young man
who
takes his father's inheritance, runs away, and spends it all on "loose
living" (v. 13). Penniless and driven to the point of working in a hog
pen, the boy realizes that even his father's servants have ample
food-something which he lacks.
Returning home, expecting to be cast off to live in servitude, the
young
man discovers that his father welcomes him with open arms. (v. 20)
Instead of lecturing his son or delegating him to servant status, the
father requests the best clothing, sacrifices a "fatted calf," and
extravagantly celebrates the boy's return. (v. 23)
In telling the story of the Prodigal Son, Christ describes the
characteristics of God's love, while also illustrating the standard by
which we should treat each other. The parable gives six characteristics
of unconditional love: acceptance, touch, quality time, giving, acts of
service, and encouragement.
The father wholeheartedly accepts his son, and even runs to meet the
young man outside. (v. 20) The father could have cast him off, refusing
his return because of the son's ungratefulness. Yet, with open arms, he
offers a warm welcome.
Upon reaching his son, he hugs and kisses the young man-demonstrating
his love through physical touch. As the boy explains his guilt and
humility, the father listens and allows him to vent his feelings of
shame and frustration. The father gives quality time.
He also gives the young man gifts-a new robe, ring and sandals. This
act of giving is an outward display of his affection. In addition, he
serves by sacrificing the fatted calf and throwing a party. He chooses to make
his son's return an event to celebrate.
Finally, the father provides encouragement, assuring him that though he
was once dead, he is now alive-a reminder of the restored relationship
we experience with God when we ask for forgiveness. (v. 24)
Now these are certainly characteristics of God's love for us, but they
are also the ideals that God wants us to follow in our relationships
with others. Consider the relationships in your life-how often do you
express your love and gratitude through these characteristics?
One of the most important things to remember is that love is not a
feeling; it is a decision, a commitment. God chooses to love us, not
based on anything we do, but based on His holiness. He chooses to love
us unconditionally in spite of our sin.
When we love others based on commitment and not our fickle emotions,
then our relationships will become much more stable and grounded.
Feelings will always change. A commitment grounded in unconditional
love will never change.
Our relationship with God is clearly evident through our relationships
with others. By striving to treat others as God treats us, we can begin
to realize what He has in store for our lives. As Henry Ward Beecher
said, "I never knew how to worship until I knew how to love."