Without Measurability

1 Corinthians 12:31b

"... and I will show you 

a still more excellent way." 

(a way without measurability)

Agape is a single-source phenomenon.

Apart from the gift and self of God,

it does not exist.

This kind of love is not spontaneous

or emotional reciprocity

for what someone else has done

for you or to you to make you

feel comfortable or happy.

It is a conscious choice to put

someone else's well-being

ahead of your own,

even and especially when

it is difficult and painful for you to do;

a choice made, not for the sake

of gaining anything for yourself,

but made because you know

that you were put here,

in this specific time, place, and circumstance,

to give other people

a chance to recognize godness within;

a choice made, not by the strength

of your own power or goodness,

but by the gift and grace of divine outpouring.

As long as we're earthbound,

we'll never be able

to love anyone, including ourselves,

fully, completely, or unconditionally.

Why?

Because we are not God.

What, then, are we to do?

This, and this alone:

love as freely and fully as we can,

each day, and seek to love more

each day than the day before.

Do it without measurability,

for this is the true character of agape.

© 2016 Todd Jenkins