Until the Good News of Jesus Christ burst onto the human scene, the word love was understood mostly in terms of seeking one's own advantage. Loving the unlovely was incomprehensible. A loving God reaching down to sinful humans was unthinkable.
This quote eloquently captures a profound shift in humanity's understanding of love brought about by the message of Jesus Christ. Before this transformative revelation, love was largely viewed through a transactional lens — a means to secure personal gain or benefit. This perspective portrays love as conditional, self-serving, and inherently limited.
The brilliance of the Good News lies in its radical redefinition of love. It introduces a love that transcends human self-interest, embracing even those considered unlovely or unworthy. This unconditional love challenges the natural human inclination to judge and exclude, inviting a more compassionate and inclusive ethos. The idea that a loving God would reach down to sinners—people flawed and imperfect—is revolutionary. It offers hope and dignity to all, regardless of their past.
Reflecting on this, one recognizes how transformative such a love is, not just in theological terms but in practical everyday life. It calls individuals to mirror this divine love by offering grace, forgiveness, and acceptance to others. It destabilizes the norm of self-centeredness and promotes empathy, selflessness, and genuine connection.
In a broader societal context, acknowledging such love could foster reconciliation and healing where there is division and hostility. The Good News, therefore, does more than just redefine love—it invites humanity to a higher, more expansive vision of relational existence grounded in compassion and humility. This perspective resonates deeply and continues to inspire countless people worldwide to live with greater kindness and intentional love.