the glory of love

There’s an old Chicago song–with then lead singer Peter Cetera–called the glory of love. The tune is, of course, oriented to romantic relationships, which is good and appropriate. But it also contains the kernel of something larger, something that I think applies to all kinds of relationships–romantic, family, friendly, mentor, etc. As the song says, some things ought to be done for the glory of love.

In Scripture there is an obvious emphasis on love. Jesus told us to love one another as he loved us, which is quite a standard to shoot for. He also said that each of us is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind.

Love, many would (in my opinion) rightly argue, is the centerpiece of true spirituality. It’s all about love. And why not? After all, Scripture also tells us that God is love. The point is not that there is some invisible cloud of “love stuff” floating around the universe, which we hope to run into. There is, however, a relating God who permeates the universe, and we can indeed “run into” him . . . and he can “run into” us.

One big part of life is, I think, somehow getting our hearts and lives to coalesce with God and his purpose. But how do we connect with God? I would suggest at least two broad ways. One is by taking in and absorbing whatever he has revealed and allowing it to mold us from the inside out. According to Scripture, he reveals himself around and within us (general revelation) and to us (special revelation). As we “rub up against” both the truths of Scripture (that help clarify the type of God we’re talking about) and the truths of his creation (which help us to recognize the magnitude of the person we're talking about) our spiritual antennae are adjusted and our hearts honed and shaped.

But there is also another big part of life, which involves more than simply picking up facts about God. There is God himself. Though he’s not some type of ooze that floats around us, he is a being that can and does connect with his creatures. We, I would argue, must learn to “seek him with all of our hearts.”

Here’s the cool (and transforming) thing. He’s with us. He surrounds and embraces us. He is in some strange and wonderful way with us. Though we (or at least I) usually miss him, he’s there none-the-less.

Contrary to the views of many, I think God enters our lives in many ways. He’s with us when we interact with others in a manner that is consistent with his will. He’s with us when we exude compassion and express kindness. He’s with us when we celebrate the joy of others’ accomplishments. He’s with us when we “feel the pain” of those who are hurting. He’s with us when we care, when we share our lives, when we laugh at the silly things of life, when we recognize the blessings he’s given to us, when we . . . you get the point.

All of this said, it makes sense that we would be courageous and compassionate, and that we would do these things with a purpose, for what Peter Cetera refers to as the glory of love. Among other things, he sings:

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you’ve been dreaming of
We'll live forever
Knowing together that we
Did it all for the glory of love

Again, not limiting it to romantic love alone (though, of course, that’s a valid expression), Cetera’s words are important to note. We should fight for what’s right, do what’s honorable, live for what truly matters, for these are the things that will last. And as we take this course, one of our chief motivations is love. Love is a command, a principle, a goal, a guide, a way of life, and a person (actually, in Christian theology, persons, who have always related to one another in love). This is the stuff that is worthy our greatest and most heartfelt efforts.

So, go about being kind, doing good, defending what is honorable and true. Though you (and I!) will mess up along the way, and while we all require the help of God and others, I believe there is hope for all who honor love (and Love–i.e., the God of love). Do it all, then, for the glory of love.