how?

Valentine's Day has recently passed. And while it is indeed a day filled with much love shared from one person to another there are undoubtedly those who have spent their affections in vain. Perhaps it is the pig-tailed girl who passed a hand-made construction paper note to some boy who hasn't quite overcome his fear of cooties. Perhaps it is the emotions displayed openly from a hopeless romantic to a woman who desires to "just be friends." These are the all-too-common relationships that Hallmark hasn't quite figured out how to sentimentalize. . .yet.

What advice do we offer our fellow persons who continually pour out their affections in vain? You know as well as I do that there are many who will stop at nothing until they have captured the love of their sought after ones. And this perhaps goes on until our sad fellow finds himself in very sad and perhaps embarassing situations, having worn his heart on his sleeve to no avail and against the counsel of his friends. I suppose if this went on far enough we might get by with calling it disturbing.

We find such behavior disturbing because there cannot be genuine love unless such affections are reciprocated. We consider him a poor fellow because he has wasted so much care on someone who has no intention of giving it back, thus there is no hope of relationship. For those who won't give up the question arises: how can one care so much for another who cares so little about him? To continue this line of thought we might find ourselves in a discussion about obsession.

Yet that is exactly where we are. We find ourselves on the receiving end of a love that does not quit, that has a total disregard for any consequence, and which takes risks that can be characterized as reckless abandon. "For God so loved the world. . ." Remember? And his love is offered continually, regardless of the response of the beloved. And it can be characterized as obsession (at least it should be), perhaps it is the obsession - the only true definition of the word. The difference, though, is that his obsession is not because he desires so much for himself. No, his love is rooted in the fact that he knows what is best for us. And thus we also find the only true definition of love - all other acts are only dim reflections.

Now perhaps one of the most profound theological pursuits may be summarized in this question:
How can God care so much for those who care so little about him?


Jesus, he's the one
He's the one I'm looking for
And I'll never, never turn back no more. . .

Tell me where, tell me where
Tell me where he can be found
And I'll never, never turn back no more. . .*



*"No More"
traditional blues song