 We can intellectually understand patience. Then we begin to practice it, but realize it doesn’t work in every situation (at least not in the way we understand it). What if our understanding of “patience” becomes the acceptance of the despicable behavior of others? Does our patience still meet the criteria of love? Is exasperation (instead of patience) ever an appropriate response? Jesus expressed exasperation on occasion. We realize exasperation may be carefully included in the overall theme of patience and love. But if we begin rationalizing chronic impatience and exasperation, now our habit of exasperation may not express love.
This may sound complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. We can process this thinking more quickly and intuitively than it takes to read the previous paragraph. But some of us have been so weighted down with religious dogma and rules that it interferes with common sense. One thing dogmatic religion strives for is absolute rules that can be applied to every situation at the exclusion of good judgment and love. This leads to self-righteousness, shame, and unloving behaviors.
The Beatles said, “Love is all you need”. In fact, I think they said it 15 times in one song just to make sure we got it. They’re right – “love is all we need”. Of course, it takes some work to better practice love in a way that actually loves the other person. So let me leave you with a few tools to connect biblical commandments and love.
- What is the commandment when we properly understand it in context?
- If I practice this commandment in the way I understand it, is it loving to others and self. Or am I just following a “rule”?
- Are there exceptions to my understanding of the commandment. (Without these exceptions, the commandment becomes unloving.)
- Would I find it loving if I were the recipient of how I’m applying this commandment?
- How would Jesus practice this commandment in today’s world? (Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.)
- Do my actions have credibility in a larger community (not just church) as the “way of Jesus”? (By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.)
You can make significant contributions to your families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. All you need is love.