Infatuation or Love?

By Ron Bartanen

     Much that passes for love is nothing more than infatuation, a temporary, and at times foolish, obsession. This is common in childhood, but not unknown in adults. It is quite evident in those who are constantly “falling in and out of love.” True love dies hard, while infatuation may be “here today, but gone tomorrow.” 
     There is one love that never fails. It is not the romantic type of love, but a self-giving love. This is the type of love that God has shown toward us. It is also the love that we are to show towards one another. The apostle John declared, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins,” then adding, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11).
     God is not infatuated with the human race. Although, through sin, we have offended Him, yet His love endures. If we allow trivial offenses from others to alienate us, we are not showing God’s love in our lives.
     As for our relationship with God, mere infatuation with Him will put self ahead of Him. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). This is the test to see whether we truly love Him, or are simply infatuated with Him.

- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://arthurcoc.com/