The “Essence” and “Efficacy” of Love
For the sake of our “persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ” who delve into the depths of love with a different understanding and a more potent passion, as well as an expectation of such, perhaps you would allow some comparisons….
Taking into consideration n last year’s findings, as indicated in an ABC News report, the annual purchases of all related Valentine’s Day merchandise were expected to total approximately $18.2 billion. Not to be confused with the “Grinch who stole the chocolate,” I find it remarkable that so much candy can be purchased and consumed during one cold day in February! Can you imagine what could be accomplished with such a charitable resource for those globally who are in peril because of their profession of faith in Jesus Christ?
In an attempt to express love – something so mysterious, God-ordained, and infinitely powerful – has our society’s state of consumerism reduced its potential impact to the inadequacy of mere trite words in a greeting card or the short-lived enjoyment of a delectable sugary treat?
Sometimes we’re able to articulate “love” in comprehensible terms, but all too often – both in word and deed – our human tendency towards selfishness can overshadow the underlying and pure intent, giving way to a rather obscure image of love as conjured by our humanness and desire to be “loved.”
As an example, there are two words that come to mind in describing love, which may then be ascribed in a Christ-centred context: ESSENCE and EFFICACY. Now, before you go reaching for your Merriam-Webster Dictionary, whose defining words are herein used to clarify the substance of love, allow me to share the meaning of these love-defining words.
“Essence” is the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.
GOD IS LOVE. Therefore, the essence of love is God, whose faithfulness, grace, and desire for our welfare permeate every aspect of our Heavenly Father’s presence. I might also postulate that without God in the equation, there can be no expression of “love” in its truest form.
“Efficacy” is the ability to produce a desired or intended result.
In this case, the term represents the capacity of love to fulfill its good purpose. God’s love purpose is to bring about a full reconciliation between Him and His beloved humankind…a renewed intimacy to an otherwise broken relationship. God’s capacity (or “efficacy”) to deliver on such a promise is limitless.
The power and poignancy of His essence are matched by the efficacy made available via His love. Such enduring love was demonstrated by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus who, through the written report of His disciple John, expressed these words of truth to us in John 15:13:
“Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
Likewise, those who are persecuted for their faith demonstrate a pure and Spirit-led purpose, as every day they must contemplate the possibility of surrendering their lives for the sake of His Kingdom. The miracle is that a great many do so in joyful obedience and service to Christ the King, thereby drawing upon the essence and efficacy of His all-sufficient love.
-Doug
