"The Greatest of These is Love"

Have you ever considered how many books, movies, and songs revolve around love as a central aspect? It's hard to name a fiction book that doesn't have some sort of romance in it. But is a romantic subplot really necessary? And why is it such a huge part of literature? Since Valentine's Day is just past us, I thought I'd share my thoughts on this, and I'd love to hear your opinion in the comments!

In John 15:12, God commands us to "Love one another as I have loved you." Obviously love isn't a bad thing, since God wants us to love others (John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1 John 4:11). But this doesn't just mean romantically. We're supposed to show love to family, friends, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Luke 6:35). As Christians, we should reflect the nature of God in everything we do. 1 John 4:8 says, "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

At first glance, loving others doesn't seem too hard. But because of our inherent sinfulness, showing love to others (especially our enemies) isn't a natural response. So many of us long for our own "romantic subplot" in life, while we don't even think about loving the people we see every day. Because God is love, we can only truly love others if we have accepted God into our hearts and let him take control of our lives. On our own, we don't have the power to love others in the way God can. That's why we need Him every moment of our lives.

Love is a central point of books, movies, and music because we are created to love others. The problem comes in when we stop viewing that from a biblical view and go along with what the world is saying about love. Romans 12:2 commands us, "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." We are supposed to live in this world, but we shouldn't follow everything the world does. God can renew and transform our minds and our view of love to a perspective that reflects Him.

Romance doesn't have to be in a story to make it "good." But, at least in my perspective, I can't think of one single story that doesn't have some sort of love in it - whether it's a family bonded through hardships, friends who don't give up on each other, or an enemy learning to forgive. And all of these, whether the story is written by a Christian or not, reflect the love God shows to us. He is our Father (Romans 8:15) and our Friend (John 15:15). We were once enemies of God (Romans 5:10) but He forgives us (1 John 1:9). And He loves us so much that He was willing to send His Son, the one He loved, to die and be raised to life so that we can be saved from sin and live with God in eternity (Romans 5:8). We did nothing to deserve His love, but He still chose to love us, even in all our sin. What a remarkable example of love!

Writing stories based around love is a reflection of God's love for us. If you're debating writing a romantic subplot, consider if it's really necessary to add. Will it help your characters grow, or will it bog the story down? Would it be better if you show them as friends instead? Or connecting closer with their families? Whatever you decide, make sure first that it honors God and shines His light.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17). Wherever your writing journey takes you, remember that we are created to glorify God. And what's even more important than writing about love is showing love to those around us, even when it seems like they don't deserve it.

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13