I fear our culture no longer understands what love truly is.
Allow me to explain: At our coffee shop, we receive countless special requests. People ask to use our space for baby showers or to stay open late to accommodate their reunion. Others have strict dietary restrictions and ask us to carry certain items or brands. Many call asking for donations to support worthy causes. I've trained all our baristas to serve with kindness, generosity, and patience. We strive to say "yes" whenever possible - even when it costs us time, energy, or profit.
And often, people respond with glowing praise: "This is why I love y'all!" "You guys are the best!" But if we're being honest...most of the time, that isn't love. Because for many, that "love" lasts only as long as they are getting what they want. Run out of their favorite syrup? Suddenly, the affection fades. No gluten-free bagels today? The smiles disappear. Out of blueberry scones? Why couldn't you bake more? Tell someone "no" after a hundred "yeses," and their admiration can quickly become frustration - or worse. One month, they're writing five-star reviews about how much they "love" your business. A few months later, they leave a one-star review because you were out of lavender syrup. That's not love. That's convenience. That's "I'm happy, as long as you please me"
And sadly, Christians are often guilty of the same shallow affection. We "love" our preacher...until he preaches truth that challenges our preferences. We "love" our elders...until their leadership interferes with our desires. We "love" our Bible class teachers...until they correct our children. We "love" our brethren...until they disagree with us about politics, schools, or personal opinions. We "love" our spouse...until they no longer make us happy. Far too often, our "love" is conditional. It survives only while others align with us. But biblical love was never meant to be so fragile. Jesus said: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you..." (John 13:34) And Paul described love this way: "Love suffers long and is kind... is not easily provoked... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Real love isn't tested when everything is going our way. Real love is revealed when things don't. Anyone can show affection when it's easy. Biblical love remains when disagreements arise, when correction comes, and when sacrifice is required.
The truth is, many of us have confused appreciation with love, agreement with love, or personal benefit with love. But love is deeper. Love is stronger. Love is a choice rooted in Christ - not circumstances. If we only "love" people when they please us, then we do not love as Christ loved. So here's the challenge: Stop using the word "love" so casually if what you really mean is, "I appreciate what you do for me." Or better yet - search your heart. Ask yourself: Can I love when corrected? Can I love when inconvenienced? Can I love when I don't get my way?
Because that is where genuine Christianity is proven. In a world full of fair-weather affection, may Christians be known for steadfast, sacrificial, Christlike love.