Authentic Love

Cleveland Ohio gave great love to one of her favorite sons for a few short weeks this summer. Lebron James evolved from Ohio schoolboy phenom into NBA superstar in seven seasons as a Cleveland Cavalier. His place on the short list of “Greatest NBA players ever” is assured and veteran status at the conclusion of this 2010 season allowed him to be a free agent. He thus had the option of signing with any franchise in the League. Lebron quickly narrowed his list of suitors to 6 franchisees. All these teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers showed him the love in efforts to woo him to play ball with them. Management, fans and even the average citizen courted “King James” with very public and fervent appeals for him to stay in Cleveland to continue his career.
All this love was to no avail. On his 1 hour primetime ESPN special program, Lebron dramatically announced his decision to go to work in Miami. His reasoning was that Miami was the best fit for him to achieve his NBA Championship goals. The decision unites him on the Heat with two superstar friends, Dwayne Wade and Christ Bosch. Leaving the Cavaliers also unified virtually all the state of Ohio in anger directed against him. Lebron’s choice was seen as a rejection as harsh as a bride left standing at the altar. Love in Cleveland quickly turned to animosity. Instantly, the most loved man in Cleveland became the most despised person in professional sports.
The Lebron/Cleveland incident is an example of the contrast between true God-style love and the brand of love most prevalent. God-style love is concern for others even when wronged. Scripture describes this “agape” (Greek word) love as being received from God with the result of showing Christ’s love to others. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:7-11
The 17th century playwright, William Congreve, penned these famous lines of love rejected in play, The Mourning Bride. Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned / Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." This is certainly true regarding love as defined by human standards. This model is dependent on performance. A person who defines love by the actions of others is actually not expressing love at all. This “show me the love” mantra is the nature of the NBA contract negotiations, but is not the love that builds relationships. Authentic Biblical love enables you to love others even when rejected. The jilted woman or rejected man certainly will experience anger and emotional pain. Real love is however a prayer for God to bless even those who are enemies. It is God-style love that enables you to live at the championship level spiritually and personally. God has shown you the love- now show the love by unselfish actions, gentle words, and a forgiving spirit with others. Love is your sincere desire for the best interests of even those who reject or scorn you.
It’s still OK for Cleveland fans to cheer against the Heat and natural for the woman scorned to experience great pain. Yet, authentic love enables victory regardless of the actions of anyone else!