The
first thing to do when solving a word problem in mathematics is to
figure out what exactly the problem is asking. We must figure out
what information is given and what is not. What are the constants
that never change and what are the variables? One of the secrets to
setting up the problem is to know how specific words are used in the
language of math. For instance, the word “is” means “equals,”
and when you see the word “is,” you know you can set up an
equation in which the parts equal each other. That’s very helpful
to know!
In
this passage on love, the apostle John sets up a simple, beautiful,
and yet remarkably complex equation: God
is love. And this helps us understand what it means to
live into the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The
story of the relationship between God and creation is a story of
love. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus tally up to the
ultimate embodiment of love. And when we seek to live into the
resurrection, we embody that love as well. God’s love frees us to
live out that love in relationship with one another.
There
is no fear in love. There is no shame in love. God and love can never
be separated. This is the constant that will never change.
In
what ways can you live out God’s love today?