Driving down River Road today toward the downtown area, I passed a familiar fence. Perhaps those who live in the area know the one I’m talking about. The rainbow one. It’s full of bright pastel-colored fence posts set back just a bit behind the row of those classic northwest Douglas Firs.
If you’re now picturing the fence I’m talking about, then you likely know what is written on it. In huge 5 ft, stylistic letters, the fence reads “Love is a Choice.”
I’ve always appreciated that sentiment. Love is a Choice.
When it comes to romantic love, the idea of “Falling in Love” seems like a dangerous Hollywood exploitation of love. Surely, if I could fall into love then I could fall out of love. And what does that say about love? That this beautiful, yet elusive cosmic force is something that I just have to hope and wait for? And that if it does come, I’d be helpless in avoiding its power to suck me in as I “fall” into it?
What about God’s love? Does God “fall in love” with me?
I don’t know about you, but that seems contradictory to the scripture’s description of God’s love and doesn’t really line up with my experience of God’s love either. But, love as a Choice? Now that’s a different story. When I was far from God, God saw me and decided to love me. Decided to pursue me. Even when I first embraced God and then later turned my back on Him, God still chose to love me.
You tell me. Does this sound like a choice?
1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.
Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
As God models this love, a love that He created and gifted us with, and then shows us that the better way is to choose love, then let us choose to love one another.
About the Author
Mike has been serving as an Assistant Pastor at CitySalt Church for the last three years, while working as a part time stay-at-home dad to his two awesome children. He loves connecting with people over coffee to hear their story and helping people discover the fullness that God has for them through His Scriptures and His Spirit.