March 12th, 2021

Love is always fettered. Loving another person always exacts some measure of your own freedom. Being in a relationship always imposes limits on your personal autonomy. To put it more starkly, and biblically, love demands death to self. There are no exceptions to this rule.

You’ve likely heard this at a wedding. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

This is good news, friends. Because, as Jesus, says, whoever loses his life will save it. That is the work of love. And because He is love, it is His work in your life.

“Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday in Lent – BCP p. 219)