Love is Not A Mathematical Equation. UNITE Linky

I remember when she picked out the rock. Smooth surfaces, each imprinted with words on them, like, “faith”, “hope”, and “love”.

She was a child we cared for, loved and walked with while testifying.

It was hard. She needed encouragement.

The prosecuting attorney asked her to pick something small to cling to as she sat as a witness to give her testimony.

What do we cling to when things get hard? When we stand up, are on trial, and use our voice to seek truth and justice?

My eyes scanned the rocks. Instantly, I wanted her to pick the, “faith” rock, imagining fiery faith might stir enough passion to share…

But this daughter of the Most High was much wiser than most, knowing what she needed, and who it was providing strength through her trial.

She reached for a smooth round rock entitled, “love”. I was awestruck.

And yet, in our world isn’t it what we underestimate most….Love?

We don’t say it…but often we serve just to get something. We love, hoping for returned favors. We offer our hearts, thinking we will be treated fairly in return…

But God’s love is far from conditional. His love isn’t a mathematical equation. His love wasn’t poured out because we were good or accepted Him. Scripture says while we were still sinners (completely undeserving) Christ died to save us. (Romans 5:8)

I hear of others heart-ache. How someone gave but in return they weren’t loved or appreciated.

I see those broken from offense, living will walls and defensive in hopes to protect themselves from others craziness.

Because let’s just say it…life isn’t fair.

Still, where did we get deceived in our thinking that Hollywood’s promises of abandoned love will mean devotion in return?

Unlike other religions that say “be good” and God will get you into heaven, unlike the false belief systems that teach, “only those who earn God will ever receive Him”…

Our faith is based solely on grace.

The sinner next to Jesus didn’t do one good thing, and yet because He believed, He entered heaven.

So, where did we get this thinking that love is a mathematical equation?

In marriage, in relationships, in friendships, it’s easy to love when it is feels good or is convenient. Still scripture sets Christian’s apart, calling us to do good, pray for, and even to genuinely love our enemies. (Luke 6:35)

This doesn’t mean we are to be accepting and ignorant, allowing abuse, or rejoicing when others attack or mistreat us.

We have to set healthy boundaries between us and those who intentionally harm us.

Still, Romans 12:9 challenges us saying, our love must be sincere. We are to cling to what is good and at the same time, we must hate what is evil. 

Still, love isn’t a mathematical equation.

Jesus took others nothingness, added his goodness, and then multiplied love unbiased, into receptive hearts.

He is a generous God, not just giving to the deserving.

So, can we pour into those too that won’t give anything in return? Can we give and keep loving when scripture says in the end times, people’s love will grow cold because of hurt and offense? (Matt 24:12) 

Can we cling to the life-source and keep filling people because His goodness is abundant, His grace sufficient, His love overwhelms us and covers every sin. (1 Peter 4:8)

And even now I wonder, isn’t it love that compelled us to Him? Isn’t it His loving kindness that leads us to repentance?

And why is it that giving and loving always infuriates the enemy, while love and service are weapons of warfare that can’t be defeated…

The place of true power and transformation?

Love isn’t a mathematical equation.

Our foster daughter stood bravely that day, gave her testimony, and clung to love while seeking justice, gripping The Rock while fighting for truth and standing on her blood bought right to real redemption.

All the while, I am still learning…

• We too must even more cling to the love of Jesus.
• We must go out and be intentional to sit with the Savior, let His love fill all our empty places.
• We must rise up and pour out His goodness, not just to those who we feel appreciate us…but to those who might not give us anything good in return.

Who can you love today, not because it’s a mathematical equation, but because we who have been forgive much, are called and have much love to give?

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