Relationships used to be built on love, compassion and a kind of warmth. These days, relationships have become increasingly transactional. Love seems to have taken a backseat. Marriages, once built on love and the sacred vow to one another, increasingly resemble contractual agreements for shared expenses and societal validation. The essence of love, which once formed the cornerstone of meaningful connections, is gradually being replaced by pragmatic considerations. This shift calls for a reflection on the true nature of relationships and calls for a return to the genuine and selfless love that enriches our connections.
This transactional mindset extends even to our relationship with God. Instead of embodying the love-based ethos of the New Testament, some approach spirituality with an Old Testament perspective, seeking to fulfill obligations to gain blessings. Such a relationship with God is cold and alien. Lacking the spark and dynamism love brings to the table. The essence of love, as emphasized in John 13:34, introduces a paradigm shift. It beckons you to move beyond transactional religiosity and embrace actions driven by love. This departure from a quid pro quo mentality challenges you to rediscover the spiritual depth that comes from a genuine love for God and fellow human beings.
In the midst of transactional norms, a radical call emerges: a return to unselfish love. It’s time to reimagine your relationships with both God and people based on love that seeks the good of the other without ulterior motives. This isn’t just a cultural or societal shift; it’s a spiritual transformation. The call to action is clear—study and understand the spiritual love that mirrors God’s love for us. By embracing the spiritual, unselfish love, we can initiate a revolution that transcends transactional expectations, fostering genuine connections and transforming relationships according to the divine blueprint of love.