Biblical Answer

Understanding the Paramount Love

In the midst of a world that often opposes our values and beliefs, it can be challenging to prioritize love. The Bible teaches that there are different types of love, and it is essential to understand which one is paramount. The controlling love, which prioritizes God's interest above all else, is the supreme objective. This type of love is evident when our interests conflict with God's, and we must yield to the higher relationship.

Love in the Face of Opposition

When the world is against us, it can be tempting to let our love grow soft and lose its truth. However, the Bible teaches that love and truth must be marked equally, and we must avoid extremism that pursues either at the expense of the other. Our love should be strengthened by truth, and our truth should be softened by love. This balance is crucial in resolving conflicts and navigating difficult relationships. As Jesus teaches, we should love our neighbors as ourselves, and this love should be marked by a servant's heart, a willingness to count others better than ourselves, and to serve and look out for their interests.

The Power of Love

The world may try to redefine love as mere tolerance, a warm feeling, or special indignation, but the Bible teaches that love is more than that. It is a choice to prioritize God's interest above all else, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to serve and look out for their interests. This type of love is not selfish or self-centered but rather a choice to put others first. As C.S. Lewis notes, need-love, or the desire for affection and connection, can be selfishly indulged, but it can also be a powerful force for good when it is guided by God's love and truth. Ultimately, the power of love is not in our ability to love ourselves or others but in our willingness to prioritize God's interest and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.