The Pursuit of Ultimate Love

The Pursuit of Ultimate Love

Christopher Kolker MD

Twelve-year-old Jenny broke her arm right before volleyball season. “I swear I’ll do anything if you let my arm heal before the first game,” she promised God as she knelt by her bed, cast fully signed on her right wrist.

Jenny had her first taste of faith. Her injury brought her to pleading, and, looking back, it felt a lot like pleading with Santa Claus to get what you want on Christmas morning. But even so, it was a start.

Jenny goes off to college. Everything is so new. School is hard, and nobody seems to care whether she lives or dies. After spending yet another evening in her dorm room alone, crying, she pleads, “God, help me understand this. Give me some purpose. I don’t want to feel this way anymore.”

 With time, Jenny finds a Christian youth group. She adapts to college life, and the classes become easier. Jenny’s faith takes a step forward. Sure, it is still selfish. It comes in despair, when her feelings threaten to quash her. But still, she has a more profound feeling for her Lord than she did before.

As Jenny matures, she studies the word of God. She sees it as a profound truth and reflects on how those truths play out in society, among her friends and neighbors, and, most importantly, in herself. It makes sense.  “God, I know you must be there. All of this did not happen by accident. You must be the Great Creator.”

Jenny’s faith is now more thoughtful than ever, but she’s not done yet.

Jenny leads a devout life. She prays daily until her relationship with Christ overtakes her. Even with her family demands, she effortlessly drifts into prayer and contemplation.

Jenny feels the Lord's presence constantly. She has everything; she asks for nothing. It doesn’t have to make sense. Love surrounds her and emanates from her. No thought, no reason, just Christ’s love.

Jenny has led a life towards a more perfect love: to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and to follow Him more clearly. To love so completely as to lay one's life down for her friends. (John 15:13 and 1John 3:16)

As you think about Valentine’s Day, reflect on real love. Are you in love with God? Can you feel what Jenny feels? If not, pray for guidance, perseverance, and union with Christ.