Love is…
Introducing a new blog series, “Love is…”
“Love is patient; love is kind.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
As one way to observe Pride month, over the next several weeks you’ll hear from pastor theologians from our synod who will reflect on what “Love is…”. Through a blog series that centers voices from the LGBTQIA+ Community, these leaders who lead our church in so many ways will ruminate on what love looks and feels like and ultimately, what “love is” as they have experienced it.
Our writers are retirees, former synod staff, pastors serving in congregations and as chaplains. As we have all been so called, they share the love of God on the regular. I’m grateful for the chance to hear them and to learn from them.
The prophet says it so clearly on behalf of God in Isaiah 43: “I love you.”
Jesus says the greatest commandments summarizes all the commandments in two ways: Love the Lord; Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:36-40)
After taking a towel around his waist and washing their feet, Jesus commands his followers to “love one another as I have loved you. So you ought to have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
In the resurrection Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and he replies three times to feed his lambs and tend his sheep. (John 21)
Love is at the heart of the good news. Scholars of the Greek language will tell you that there are four words that indicate four different kinds of love:
Storge (Στοργή): Love between family; natural and instinctive
Philia (Φιλία): Love between friends.
Eros (Έρος): Passionate, romantic love.
Agape (Ἀγάπη): Selfless, unconditional love; God’s love for all of humanity and creation.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the love Paul writes about is agape love; Love from God. Patient and kind. That’s one of the things I love most about God’s love. God’s love is not manipulative. It doesn’t twist truth but rejoices in it. I believe Paul when he says it “bears all things.” Mostly I believe that because I know what it is to love and be loved. If you know that too, I hope you won’t waste one second taking the love in your life for granted. Without love, we are nothing, so let’s dwell in that love as we anticipate Pride month in June.
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Reflect:
Which word sticks out the most for you from Paul’s list about what love is from the passage in 1 Corinthians?
How would you fill in the blank, “Love is…”
Pray:
God of boundless love, we thank you for the many ways your love is made known among us. As we listen to voices that reflect your image and grace, open our hearts to deeper compassion and understanding. Teach us to love with the same patience, kindness, and truth that you pour out on all people. In all we do, may we be signs of your unending, unconditional love. Amen.
Rev. Jenn Pockat
Associate to the Bishop,
Director for Relationships and Resources
