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February 2005 |
From the Bishop
Love is a verb
The month of February includes Valentine's Day, and I hope you remember to
send cards, give gifts, and say "I love you" to those you love - your spouse,
your parents, your children. Even though this holiday was probably invented (or
at least marketed) by florists and greeting card makers, Valentine's Day is an
important reminder to tell those we love that we do love them.
In the Dakotas there was a popular story about a couple who had marital problems. The wife declared to her husband, "You never tell me that you love me." With typical North Dakotan reserve the husband replied, "I told you I loved you when we got married. If I change my mind, I'll let you know."
Valentine's Day reminds us to be sure to say "I love you" to those whom we love.
However, our Christian faith pushes us beyond simply loving those who love us. According to Jesus, the greatest commandment is "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength" and the second but equal commandment is, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus is also remembered for teaching: "If you only love those who love you, what credit is that?"
And yet the word "love" has been so cheapened in our culture that it is difficult for us to hear the import of these teachings. We say things like, "I love your new dress" or "I love this nice weather" or other silly uses of the word. We even say two people are "making love" when sometimes we are only describing a sexual encounter between strangers. We have made the word "love" too cheap, too easy and often too frivolous.
It helps to remember that the biblical understanding of love is not just a feeling or an emotion or even a matter of liking another person. The biblical standard of love is how we treat one another. It is primarily a verb, not a noun. We are commanded to treat one another in a loving manner, no matter whether we really like or approve of each other.
In my Indiana travels, I see many examples of our churches and our people making love into a verb. I learn about outreach programs for children, about food pantries and clothing closets, about prayer teams and visitation ministries. I see preachers and teachers who help share the Good News of God's love, and I am amazed by the generosity and mission-minded giving of our people. Truly, United Methodists in Indiana are following Jesus by making love into a verb. And we are trying to love everyone, not just those who love us.
So please send Valentines to those you love, but remember also to turn your love into a verb, into an action, for all people.
Bishop Michael Coyner
Indiana Area of
The United Methodist Church
"Making a Difference ... in Indiana
and around the world"
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008