Learning Love’s Beauty From My Children
February 9, 2010
Sacrificial love in the family of God is a beautiful thing. When one person uses his or her Spirit-enabled gifts “for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7), when the various members “have the same care for one another” (1 Cor 12:25), what emerges is the most attractive display of God’s own character that can be found on this fallen planet.
God used my children this week to remind me of how compelling this familial love can be. Early in the week I was outside with the children when Sophia let out a cry of such dramatic proportions that you would have thought she broke a limb. In fact, she had dropped her plastic cup full of popcorn and stood next to her fallen snack with tears streaming down her face. Working under the age-old assumption that “dirt don’t hurt,” I picked up the least soiled pieces of popcorn, put them back into the cup, and returned it to Sophia.
Of course, within about 42 seconds Sophia had dropped her cup again, and Act II of the Shakespearean tragedy began. I repeated the selective scooping of popcorn, and as I prepared my stern “be careful” speech, out of the corner of my eye I saw Marcus bolting for the patio. Curious about his intent, I followed and found him frantically looking for something on a table. He emerged with his cup of popcorn, which was still quite full, and made a simple request: “Give Phia my popcorn?”
I pause over this moment again in hopes of absorbing the profundity of what I saw in my son who is not yet 3 years-old. Sophia (or “Phia,” as the boys call her) was grieved over her loss of popcorn. Marcus had popcorn at his disposal. Marcus took the initiative to meet Sophia’s need with what he had been given. (If I may brag on both my boys, Stephan extended a similar generosity the next day at lunch when he offered Sophia his pickles once she had finished hers.)
Perhaps this simple story offers us a sense of what Paul meant when he called love “a more excellent way” (1 Cor 12:31). In the example of my children, the love displayed among them was more important then the actual gift given-popcorn, pickles, toys, etc. Likewise, in the family of God, the precise gift we use to build one another up is secondary to the mutual care, concern for the common good, the sacrificial love being displayed. Because what is ultimately on display in these acts is God’s own love, which is the pinnacle of his excellencies.
You are a church family where this love already exists. I can think of a handful of stories off the top of my head where one member of our body has lovingly, sacrificially served another member. As we continue our study in 1 Corinthians 12-14, may God transform us to become even more loving, more concerned, more sacrificial in serving one another with the gifts the Spirit empowers. For this is a key way in which we fulfill our ultimate mission-to glorify God-as we place his love on display.
Pastor Chris