The Pursuit of Love

“Pursue love…”
1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)

The Christian has but one aim; to pursue love.  This love is not something that we pursue to receive, but something that we pursue to give.  Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive and what greater blessing can we bestow on another, than love?  True love gives without ever a thought of receiving anything in return.  
 It was Christ that said we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as our self.  Paul said that love is “the bond of perfection.”  Only those who pursue it and obtain it are known as true disciples of Christ.  
 Eugene Peterson says to “Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it…” The NLT says to “Let love be your highest goal!” The Amplified Bible says to “EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]…”
As a mighty knight goes on a quest to slay the great dragon and seize its treasure, so the Christian is on a quest to slay the dragon of self and seize the treasure of love.  But unlike the fairy tales of old, this treasure is not to be used for selfish gain but is to be distributed to the poor and needy; from our hand to theirs.

Not merely in the words you say,
Not merely in your deeds confessed,
But in the most unconscious way
Is Christ expressed.
And from your eyes He beckons me,
And from your heart His love is shed,
Till I lose sight of you … 
And see Christ the Lord instead.
—Unknown

Anchored in Christ,
Aaron R. Force