Liberating Love
1 Corinthians 1:12-15
“I must release the other person from every attempt of mine to regulate, coerce and dominate him with my love.”
—LIFE TOGETHER
Love can be liberating. It can also be stifling. When it seeks to control the other person and thus keep that person dependent, love is no longer freeing and upbuilding. It becomes counterproductive because the welfare of the other becomes lost to the need of the giver to feel wanted and helpful. True love always enhances the well-being of the other. And central to this well-being is the encouragement toward independence, responsibility, and self determination.
Meditation
Loving regard for the other has as much to do with withholding as it has to do with giving. It is seldom good to be always doing things for others. Far better to do things with others so that they are empowered.
What is your prayer thought for today’s lesson?