Love of Power vs Power of Love

A battle wages within me—the love of power or the power of love? The winner of this battle determines the health of my relationships. Loving power often results in marginalized relationships. Power, in human terms, requires control that is often motivated by fear and selfishness.

Godly power is different. It is fueled by sacrificial love motivated by compassion and care for others. The results are reconciled relationships.

Paul was teaching the Ephesians about the power of love when he wrote,

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV

What a paradox that victory in this battle requires surrender. Will you join me in asking God to fill us with His power to love?

Sharing the journey with you,