Biblical Answer

Understanding the Priority of Love

When the world is against us, it can be challenging to prioritize love. The world's understanding of love is often corrupted, focusing on sinful lusts and selfish desires rather than genuine love. In contrast, the Bible teaches that love is a choice that requires sacrifice and obedience to God's commands. The controlling love that Jesus spoke of in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends," is a love that prioritizes the best interest of God and others over our own self-interest.

Prioritizing Love in Conflict

When the best interest of another or ourselves and the best interest of God come into conflict, love must make a choice. We must yield to the higher relationship, even if it means sacrificing our own desires or interests. This is not easy, but it is essential to living a life that reflects the love of God. As the Bible teaches, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:9-10). By prioritizing love in conflict, we demonstrate our commitment to God's commands and our desire to please Him.

Nurturing Divine Love through Human Love

To prioritize love when the world is against us, we must first cultivate a deep understanding of human love and its relationship to divine love. Human love is not just a feeling or a natural instinct, but a choice that requires effort and sacrifice. By choosing to love others, even when it is difficult, we demonstrate our commitment to the love of God. As the Bible teaches, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). By prioritizing love in our relationships with others, we nurture our divine love and demonstrate our commitment to the love of God.