What Is Love?

Love does not insist on its own way. - 1 Corinthians 13:5

On Sunday, Rogelio Rodriquez spoke about how love does not believe in conquering - instead, love always serves. So often these days Christians have been portrayed (and accurately so) as culture warriors, battling for God’s truth to conquer all foes. That’s a very strange image when Jesus instead talked about loving our enemies and turning the other cheek.

One of the stated values of City Church is put this way:

Unforced: We invite; we don’t control. We loosen our grip on our agendas and try to love the people in front of us the way Jesus does, inviting them into next steps on the journey without pressure. We encourage each other toward a sustainable, sabbath shaped pattern of work and rest.

Today we ponder what it looks like to follow Jesus without insisting on our own way. Take this list of opposites that Rogelio mentioned and see what stands out to you. Thinking about those who have loved you the best, which of these attributes have you seen in them? What lurks in your heart today - can you name both the good and the bad and bring those to Jesus?

Conquest or Compassion
Force or Influence
Justifying or Justice
Talking or Listening