Weekly Thought – March 4, 2014
Fred’s memorial service featured a DVD produced six months before his death. He shared wisdom, humor, and inspiration. He spoke of the legacy he wanted to leave for his children: “I don’t want them to need me; I want them to love me.” Fred loved deeply, but he didn’t like to be “ooky-gooky” about it. Yes, that is his expression.
Thank you for praying with the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute team. God’s presence and power filled the days. The Palm Beach Atlantic University campus was “buzzing” with the conversations, the interactions, and the prayer. The team appreciates the warm hospitality of PBA.
What is Love?
“How do you define love, Fred?” Frankly, I don’t have a concise and precise answer that covers the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual elements. After all, the Greeks had at least four different words.
Love is so poorly understood. The best definition I have found is: “Love is willing the ultimate good for the other person.” I like the idea of “willing,” rather than “wanting,” “feeling,” or “wishing.” Love is deeply rooted in the will.
If left to feelings, it invariably becomes selfish. Because we are fundamentally self-centered, undisciplined love focuses on ourselves and not the ultimate good of the other. Competition ensues —my ultimate good versus yours. When I hear someone say, “If you loved me, you would…” I know selfishness is ruling.
Two factors are in play using this definition: 1) will and 2) ultimate good. When we use these measures, we maturely respond to emotional situations. By looking for the ultimate good we are able to include discipline, restraint, and even confrontation in our response to others. (more…)