Love In, Love Out

Matthew 22:35-40

A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

PLAGUES IN THE LATE SECOND CENTURY and mid-third century decimated much of the population in many areas of the Roman Empire. Nearly a third of the people in some regions died, and most survivors did whatever they could to save themselves. Many fled the cities for refuge in the countryside, where the disease spread more slowly. But Christians were known for another approach. Many believers remained to care for the sick, not only in their own families but also among the pagans. At the risk of their own lives, believers demonstrated love in ways that astounded observers and turned many to Christ.

How were they able to love so selflessly? They had learned how to be loved. They were secure in their relationship with God and trusted him to care for their souls, whether their bodies survived or not. They loved because they had basked in the greater love of their Father.

In our desire to be selfless, we often forget how vital it is to receive love. But Jesus’ quote of the greatest commandments reminds us that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. That means if we don’t love ourselves—if we don’t see ourselves as God sees us, with eyes of perfect affection—we cannot give that kind of love to our neighbors. If we receive love incompletely and then try to love our neighbors in the same way, we fall short of their need. No, our mission is to receive the love of God in all its fullness and then impart it—in all its fullness.

It may feel selfish to bask in the Father’s love, but this is exactly what the world needs. It may also feel unrealistic. Most of us have a much easier time believing in God’s love for others than in his love for us personally. But if it is to be real for our neighbors, it must be real for us. To freely give, we must have already freely received (Matthew 10:8). The key to loving well is knowing how loved we are.

{Holy Spirit, fill my heart with divine love. Saturate my soul in your adoring presence. Show me your affection and teach me to show it to others. Amen.