The Power of Love

1985 was a terrific year, not that I remember a lot of it. But I do remember some of the pop culture in those days. I remember the iconic fashion and the epic hair styles. I remember that MTV and VH1 were not what they now are, and that they played a lot of music. I recall going to my grandma’s house, turning on VH1 and playing Rummikub with her. One of the songs from that year was on one of my favorite movies, not only of that year, but of all times, Back to the Future. The band was Huey Lewis and the News, and the song was The Power of Love. If you know it, sing along:

“You don't need money, don't take fame, Don't need no credit card to ride this train. It's strong and it's sudden and it's cruel sometimes, But it might just save your life. That's the power of love”

That song was the JAM!!!

But it also contains a truth, that there truly is power in love. I mean, look around at the dating scene for a minute. Look at the “macho” guy that is buying flowers, going to the opera, and watching chick flicks in the movie theater, for love. Look at the girl that is pretending to like UFC and the smell of exhaust fumes at the races, for love. Married people and unmarried people alike have done crazy and stupid things for love. Dreams have been abandoned, families have had their backs turned against them, and friends have been left, all for love. There is not much, if anything at all, that will come in between two people in love.

Yet that love is elementary compared to the love that God has for us. We are only able to give love as much as we are able to receive it. God has freely given us love, and whether or not we accept it is all on us.

In Ephesians 3:17-19, Paul says, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, … to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

God’s love surpasses all intellect. God’s love goes beyond the power to change the habits of a human being. It goes beyond the abandonment of friends and family. God’s love can completely change the entire being of an individual. It can instantaneously turn someone 180 degrees. It has the power to bring enemies together. It has the power to allow people to live together in harmony. That is God’s intention for humankind.

The Power of Love. That is what I want to see in my life. Through my life. Because of my life in Christ. God, show me how to love like you love