How is Your Love Life?

Editorial by Charles A. Tapp

Many years ago, while a college student, a good friend gave me a book that would change my life forever. The book is titled “Living God’s Love” by the author Douglas Cooper. For me, the most profound aspect of this book was Cooper's definition of love.

His definition resonated with me so strongly that I memorized it and have used it countless times since. On page 126, here’s how Douglas Cooper defines love. He says, “Loving is using one’s God-given power of choice, to do or say, that which is in the best good or interest of another, regardless of feelings.” 

Simply put, according to Cooper, to love means that as believers, we do what’s in the best interest of others, whomever they might be, regardless of how it makes us feel. But here’s the point that we dare not miss. Not only has God given us that choice, but God also gives us the power to follow through with that choice. 

Although February 14 may be referred to as a time for love, as believers, we are admonished by God not to limit our demonstration of love to a month or even a day, but rather to every opportunity to choose do what’s best for others 365 days of the year. 

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. -Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)

Charles A. Tapp is the president of the Potomac Conference.