Reflection - Genuine Love is others-focussed

by Presbytery Support Officer, Naomi Bell

Genuine Love is others-focussed. It seeks out the welfare of the other. It goes beyond just the feelings of affection that we humans can have for one another. It goes further than that to become self-sacrificing. It transforms our deep care for another into actions that demonstrate this and have a positive impact, adding value to the other.

I recently received these amazing flowers (see photo) whilst at my office. They came as a huge surprise to me because they are so stunning and my first thought was “what have I done?” I kept thinking about it and asking, “what did I do to get this? I haven’t done anything”.

Later on, as I continued thinking about these amazing flowers, I realised that I was asking the wrong question. My focus was in the wrong place because the gift wasn’t about me and anything I may have done to deserve it. Rather, this gift was a reflection of the gift-giver and the deep care or love they have for me. It was love in action (and not in a romantic way either – just to be clear since I am talking about flowers!), but true Christian love for a sister-in-Christ. Which had a very positive impact on my well-being, that has lasted long beyond that initial moment.

This kind of love seems to be a bit in conflict with the love I often see portrayed in our world today. Particularly in the media and social media platforms, where influencers encourage putting oneself first, or choosing what is right for me, and at times seemingly with no regard for collateral damage that may occur to others. In a consumeristic world that can be quick to cut-off those who think or feel or behave differently, how do we reach out and bridge this divide? How do we understand this Genuine Love, that is “devoted to one another in love” and will “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

We love because God first loved us. We certainly did not do anything to deserve this love and we never have to earn God’s love. It goes beyond what is necessary and is full of grace. It is not something we can earn, but is a gift given freely from God. God’s love is genuine love.

May we continue striving to show this kind of genuine love to all people. Especially to those who think or behave differently to us! For we are called to be known by the love that we have for one another (John 13:34-35). Not just in our church, but everywhere.