01/19/2025
Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Last week we completed our Burning Bowl ritual and our Letters to God. We have identified what we want to release from our lives, our minds, and hearts, and have filled that spiritual vacuum with the gratitude for what God brings to us. We are seeking renewal and transformation. We are pursuing change.
Change comes about from several inducements. Knowledge, education, and awareness empower us with the skills and understanding needed to challenge existing norms and inspire innovation and progress. A powerful medium for social change is the pursuit of justice and fairness. Movements for civil rights, gender equality, and social justice have transformed societies and improved lives.
Empathy, compassion, understanding, and sharing the feelings of others can foster a sense of oneness and guide us to thoughts, words, and actions that benefit the greater good. For many, faith and spirituality provide a sense of purpose and direction, inspiring positive change in individuals and communities.
From my perspective, ultimately it is God, and more precisely, God’s love that draws us to change. Our opening Bible verse emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds through God’s love, which then leads to the personal transformation we seek.
Love is an emotion that transcends boundaries, cultures, and time, and can transform our lives in numerous ways. It has been the subject of countless poems, songs, and works of art, all attempting to capture its elusive essence. Love plays a significant role in shaping our identities and perspectives as individuals. In fact, love changes us; love changes everything, everything it touches.
We are taught in 1 John 4:7-8: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Love is a fundamental aspect of knowing God and being transformed psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually by His presence and that touch of love.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is an important part of love. When we love someone, we become more attuned to their emotional states and more willing to support them through their hardships. Our amplified sense of empathy reaches beyond our immediate relationships, influencing how we interact with the broader world. We become more compassionate, considerate, and willing to assist those in need.
God’s love transforms us from within. As we experience His love, we are encouraged to let go of old habits and embrace a new way of living that aligns with His will. 2 Corinthians 5:17 teaches: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Love profoundly impacts us psychologically and can lead to improved mental health. Numerous studies have shown that people who experience love and affection are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. The sense of belonging and acceptance that accompanies love helps protect us from the hurts of the world and reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Love also contributes to our emotional resilience. The support and encouragement from those we love helps shield us from life's inevitable challenges and setbacks. Love helps keep joy in our hearts. Love has the potential to address a wide range of personal challenges by providing emotional support, fostering positive relationships, and inspiring personal growth.
Love even has the potential to enhance our cognitive functioning. When we are in a loving relationship, our brains change. Feeling love releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure and bonding. These chemicals not only make us feel good but also improve our focus, memory, and problem-solving abilities. In essence, love creates an environment where our brains can function optimally.
The life-changing power of love extends beyond the psychological and emotional realms, manifesting in tangible physical health benefits. One of the most significant physical health benefits of love is its ability to reduce stress. The presence of a loving partner or close-knit social network can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in our bodies. This reduction in stress improves our overall mood and has far-reaching effects on our physical health, including a lower risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease and hypertension.
At the most personal level, practicing self-love and compassion can reduce the negative emotions associated with fear, loneliness, procrastination, negative habits, guilt, and self-criticism. These are all human challenges and need to be addressed objectively. By being kind to ourselves and acknowledging our efforts, we can create a more positive mindset that encourages productivity.
Beyond the individual benefits, love plays a crucial role in our personal and social development. It shapes our values, influences our behavior, and determines how we interact with the world around us. The experience of love teaches us the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships. Through love, we learn the value of trust, communication, and mutual respect. The ability to form healthy, meaningful relationships is a cornerstone of personal and social development. Christ wanted to build a more loving world, and thus the commandment, “Love each other.”
Love also plays a pivotal role in shaping our values and beliefs. The people we love and care for often serve as role models, guiding us in our moral and ethical development. The principles of kindness, generosity, and integrity are often reinforced through loving relationships. In this way, love helps us become better individuals and more responsible members of society.
When we experience love, we are more inclined to act selflessly and prioritize the well-being of others. This altruism extends beyond our immediate circle, influencing our actions toward the broader community. Acts of kindness, charity, and social responsibility are often motivated by the love we feel for humanity.
Eric Fromm, psychoanalyst and philosopher, taught that love was not accidental; we did not ‘fall in love’. Love was a particular way of looking at someone and was in our control. He looks at love as an art, something we can practice and develop. He said, “To love somebody is not just a strong feeling – it is a decision, it is a judgement, it is a promise. If love were only a feeling, there would be no basis for the promise to love each other forever. A feeling comes and it may go…” In other words, love is a choice.
In conclusion, the transformative power of love is multifaceted and far-reaching. Through the love of Christ, we are ever called back to our one Source, God the Good. As we walk this earth, God’s love fosters emotional growth, enhances psychological and cognitive functions, improves physical health, and contributes to our personal and social development. It is my prayer that we allow the power of God’s love to change us, making us more compassionate, resilient, and fulfilled children of God. As we navigate the complexities of being human, love remains a constant force, guiding us toward a brighter, more harmonious future together.
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