What's Love Got To Do With It

WEB_7dayWow… it’s cold here in Kansas today. Snow and the whole big winter show, and the Addis Family loves it. I’m sure we’ll be out in the elements trying to make a snowman from the .067 inches that has fallen as soon as school is out (you gotta love those kids). But, right now… no way. I’m inside the warmth of a coffee shop typing away.

I don’t feel like going out there.

It makes me wonder how many of the decisions I make are based on the fact that I do or don’t feel like doing something.

I just finished the book of Ruth this morning in my Bible Study and I was intrigued. Several commentaries and other authors have commented on this book and made mention of Ruth’s great love for Boaz. But, I can’t seem to find it anywhere; you know, a statement about her great love for Boaz.

They think her desire to marry an older man when she didn’t have to, or the way she worked so hard in the fields prior to their relationship are indicators that she was in love with him.

Honestly, I don’t see it.

If she was in love with anyone, it was a devoted love for her mother-in-law Naomi who she cared for deeply and promised never to leave (if this is starting to sound a little like a Soap Opera, you’re dead on… it’s only a 4 chapter book…., give it a read).

Yet everyone assumes that she was in love with Boaz. But, I think it was possible she was just being/doing what she needed to do. Not necessarily a thrilling love story, but and honest reporting of what she did.

Did she ever love Boaz? Probably, but I would think that came much later in their relationship.

You see, I think her great act of love for Naomi caused her to DO what she may not have felt like doing (ie: marry an older man to fulfill tradition and provide for the entire family).

Sometimes love isn’t something we feel, it’s something we do… and, then maybe later, love will follow.

CS Lewis echoes this same sentiment about a human beings love for God in MERE CHRISTIANITY :

MereChristianity“Some writers use the word charity to describe not only Christian love between human beings, but also God’s love for man and man’s love for God. About the second of these two, people are often worried. They are told they ought to love God. They cannot find any such feeling in themselves. What are they to do? The answer is the same as before, act as if you did. Do not sit trying to manufacture feelings. Ask yourself “If I were sure that I loved God, what would I do?” When you have found the answer, go for it.”

 

So, here’s the challenge for you and I. We sometimes have to express our love and devotion to God, even when we don’t feel like it! Just like we do for our spouses, kids and idiots (er, difficult people) at Wal-Mart we see everyday.

So, let me encourage you. ‘Do’ love today, don’t wait for the feeling. Think about what you’d do if you really loved God, then do it. Think about what you’d do if you really loved that cantankerous old geezer, then do it. Think about what you’d do if you really loved your spouse (despite the way they’ve been acting lately), and then do it.

That’s all for now. I gotta go… outside… in the cold… because it’s time for lunch at Faris Elementary with my oldest… I don’t feel like it… but, I’m sure I will after I get there. I love my boys… I think I’ll act like it.

Seeking more of Him and less of me,

 

Andy A.

 PS #1 (sorry about the Tina Turner reference in the title… I am an 80s child and cannot deny… God RULZ!)

PS #2 (for a free ebook download of Mere Christianity http://www.memoware.com/?screen=doc_detail&doc_id=15256&p=title%5E!Mere it takes a free ereader called isilo but I use it an really like it)

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