I received an "F" in geometry the first time I took the course in high school. This qualified me for the "privilege" of taking the course a second time. I hated mathematics, and the second time around I was getting another "F." Midway through the course our teacher became ill and was replaced with a substitute. When the substitute walked into the classroom for the first time, we all gasped silently. His face was so disfigured that for the first week we looked out the window when we raised our hands to ask a question. By the end of the second week, his face was no longer a distraction because we felt the love he had for each one of us personally. He had begun to seek out what each one of us needed to improve our understanding of geometry. It was obvious to us that his highest concern was meeting our individual needs for learning the subject. He demonstrated his genuine love for me by staying after class on many occasions, doing everything he could to broaden my understanding of the subject. His eyes sparkled and his smile made him a very attractive person. His hidden beauty was what we all began to see. I was so motivated by his expression of love that my grade went from and "F" to and "A" in only six weeks. I went on to minor in mathematics in college as a result of this experience.

Genuine love doesn't necessarily spring from feelings. Its basis is primarily a concern for the welfare of another. Although the feelings of affection will follow, genuine love is initially an action directed toward fulfilling another person's needs.

Affection and passion make us aware of our own needs and cause us to look to others to meet those needs. Genuine love, as evidenced by Christ, searches for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to meet those needs (John 15:11-13). Simply stated, genuine love says, "I see your need; please allow me to meet it." Or as the apostle Paul defined it, "I submit myself to meeting your needs—your needs are my master'" (Gal. 5:13-16). The focus of genuine love isn't receiving; it's giving.

When a person receives genuine love from someone else, it can he one of the most powerful motivating forces in all of life.

Like that teacher who made such a profound impact on my life, who has done the same for you?

Is there anybody out there that can say that of you?

"I see your need; please allow me to meet it."

John 3:16

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

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