Unintentional Love

I Corinthians 13: 6

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Plainly put, culturally we struggle with the intent of what we say.  It is acceptable to say things that sound good before we have any real intention of following through.  We see this so much in relationships (both with family, friends, and loved ones) that we’ve become numb to the fact that love is supposed to be built on truth.  Love rejoices with the truth.

How do you feel when those closest to you make intentional statements, such as promises, and then cancel because of other more important things?  Has someone ever told you that they are going to come visit you, and they never do?  Or more simple, what about when we tell someone you will call them, and don’t?  I know that everyone has experienced this feeling in some form, but should it be that way?

We are a culture that says the intentional, with no immediate intention of carrying out such actions.  While it seems so minor, and some would argue that it is not even being dishonest, my argument is that it is not truth.

Friendships:  “Hey bro, we need to hang out soon.  Let’s make this happen…  I’ll call you.”

But you don’t.

Relationships:  “I’ll come visit this weekend (if there isn’t anything more important that might pop up).  I’ll swing by after work (if I finish everything I have to get done).  I’m going to make you something… “

Only say these things if you truly wish to follow through with them.

I will be the first to say it; I still do this way to often.  In fact, I do it a lot less than I used to.  However, this careless unintentionality can be incredibly destructive when trying to fully love others with the love of Christ.  Let us swallow our pride, and our need to say what sounds best, and speak out of nothing but love that rejoices in truth. 

Why?  Is it really that destructive?

Yes, it is that destructive. In fact, it is the only kind of love that many people know.  They expect love to not follow through.  People become okay to the fact that those closest to them do not keep promises.  They see Christians who wish to share Jesus with others, but their inconsistency is hurting their witness. 

In my entire life, there has only been one “constant”.  God.  He has always followed through, and he has shown me what it means when love rejoices in the truth.  Yet, we fail to share this love with others because of the inconsistency between our words and our actions.  I understand that we are imperfect people, and we will disappoint.  But there is only one way to share this kind of love; to love other’s like Christ we must strive to imitate the love of Christ.  In all of history, Christ’s example of love is the single most consistent example of truth.  Whatever he said, he did.  In fact, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro said it best when describing Jesus’ intentionality, “What He said was who He was.”

Brothers and sisters, this means that in all relationships (family, friends, and loved ones) one of the greatest ways to show the love of Christ is to be true to your word.  Be careful with what you commit to.  And when you commit, be sure you follow through.  This is where love will rejoice. 

Supplemental Readings-

James 5:12

Above all, my brothers, do not swear- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.  Let your 'Yes' be your yes and your 'No,' no, or you will be condemned.

Matthew 5:37

Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

The Divine Mentor, Wayne Cordiero

Chapter 9, “Oak All the Way to the Core”