thumbnail -Paul’s teaching on the topic of love was earlier introduced (12:9-21) and now asserts that love fulfills the law (vs. 8-10). The teaching is rooted in the deuteronomistic theology of love (cf. Deut. 10:12-14; Lev. 191) and echoes the teachings ascribed to Jesus (Matt. 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34). The second half calls Christians to be vigilant in view of the short timeline of salvation. [1]

true love is genuine-Love is to be anypokritos, or “unhypocritical.” If you try to treat someone you thoroughly dislike as though in fact you cared very deeply for them-if you try to think of how it is to live inside their skin and walk in their shoes-then it may well happen that a genuine sympathy arises, and from that real affection, and finally an unhypocritical love . . . The love of which Paul speaks is tough . . . in the sense that, since it does not spring from the emotions but from the will, love will grit its teeth and act as if the emotions were in place, trusting that they will follow in good time. [2]

What was your first loan or mortgage? [3]

• What connotations might our culture have of the word, “love”? How do these ideas differ from Paul’s concept of love (recall also 1 Corinthians 13-even if there is no wedding in sight).
• How would your life be different if you consciously tried to “wear” Jesus Christ?
• julian of norwich - Gentlest God, clasp me in your arms. Show me your love and . . . inspire me in turn to such love that you become all my will, all my love, and the fullness of my joy. [4]

Describe how we understand love in our own culture, but also reflect on love’s long history within Judaism and among the ancient Greeks, and among early Christians.

• Christians claim a “high” theology of love that is modeled on Jesus Christ. Describe Christian love.
• Note the weakness within virtually all religions-and especially Christianity-in this discussion of love: we all give lip service to the idea of love but we do not usually reflect on how to do it. Note the disconnect between inauthentic love (based on words or feelings only) and authentic, or genuine love (based on our actions).
• Suggest through examples, stories, etc. how to re-claim Paul’s “genuine” love that connects words and emotions to moral action.

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[1] Carol J. Dempsey, New Proclamation 2002 (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2001), page 194. 
[2] New Interpreter’s Bible X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), page 726.
[3] Adapted from Serendipity Bible (Zondervan, rpt. 1998), page 1582.
[4] All Will Be Well: Julian of Norwich Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 1996), page 46.