Tainted Love…

Ben Schoettel   -  

06/12/22.

The reason we gravitate toward superhero stories is not just because of their incredible power. After all, watching someone show off their power without actually using it for good would not only get boring, but would honestly get nauseating.

The reason kids (and adults) wear shirts with their favorite heroic spider or bat on the front is because, in the end, the heroes always win. And by winning, I mean, they always save the day. They use their powers to “save” others, who are usually, in some way, powerless. If we stop and think about it, love and power are similar in this way. Like a superpower, love can be selfish, nauseating, and dangerous too if not selflessly expressed on someone else’s behalf.

In the life of a Christian, “love” is not just a big deal, it’s THE deal. That’s why in scripture it says love is greater than faith and hope (1 Cor 13:13). That is why love is the greatest commandment. (John 13:34) The first fruit (Gal 5:22). The mark of a true follower of Jesus. (John 13:35)

Anyone can do a good deed on occasion, just like anyone can have occasional power. What makes them a hero is whether their heart is motivated (or burdened) to use that power for the good of others. What makes us a follower of Jesus is when the talents, passions, deeds, and yes even power, is motivated by a love for God and others. Not just brotherly love. Not just familial love. Not just sensual love. But forgiving love. Repentant love. Selfless love. Agape love.

It’s the reckless love of Jesus that we read and sing about. “We love because He first loved us.” “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down their life for their friends.” “For God so loved that He gave…” “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” “Do you love me? Take care of my sheep…”

Jesus has all the power. What makes Jesus holy and perfect, is that He is also love. The picture of Jesus being the groom for the church is a perfect picture of power being submitted to love. Jesus fully gave His life for the church. Used His power, not to control or abuse the church into submission, but to sacrifice Himself for us in the ultimate expression of love.

Just as He gave Himself to His “bride” (the church), we are to lovingly give of ourselves to others, even those we may think we have power over. So, if your idea of love includes control, manipulation, or selfish ambition, your understanding has been tainted by the world. If the lens you see the world through is this “tainted love”, your relationships will become dishonoring, your hearts will become discontented, and your fruit will become diseased.

Here is a simple (and incomplete) math equation that might help from the letters of the Bible.

Faith – deeds = dead faith (James 2:26)

Faithful deeds – love = dead faith (1 Cor 13:2)

Love + deeds = living faith (John 13:34-35)

So, let’s be superheroes in our own homes and communities. But let’s be Christlike heroes, reflecting His image, so that our deeds aren’t marked by OUR power, but by HIS love. Then, they will be used for HIS glory. So, let’s truly love one another…