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?