Lately, I can't help but think about the definition of true love.  Maybe because I am thinking about and preparing for the retreat in February that will be on love.  Or maybe because Valentine's day is right around the corner?  Either way, I want to understand why Jesus told one of the churches in Revelation, "you don't love me or each other as you did at first".

Jesus warned that in the last days, the love of many would grow cold.  Paul said that people would love only themselves and their money.  That last sentence is really sticking in my head.  As I try to define true love, what it looks like and how to demonstrate it in my own life, I often start with what it doesn't look like... 

Paul said that people would love themselves.  I think that is the type of love I know and can define already.  So I will start there to define what true love is not...

If you love yourself and your money, what would that look like?

1. I would want everyone to meet my needs.
2. I would want everyone to pay attention to me.
3. You would hear me say no one understands me or cares about me when they are not meeting my needs or paying attention to me.
4. I would want my own way.
5. I would want comfort, ease and pleasure.
6. I would use my money to buy whatever ensures #5.

Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.  Well, maybe I should begin there to discover true love. 

1. To talk with my neighbor to discover their needs and listen to them. 
2. To seek comfort, ease and joy for them. 
3. To use my money to ensure #2 in their life.

Does anyone remember that song, "it only takes a spark to get a fire going".  I used to love that song!  Seems appropriate here.