Member-only story
What Does It Mean To Love?
Different types of love and how they manifest in real life
A friend and I recently discussed friendship and love. They said they weren’t always clear about what love entailed.
I’m on the autistic spectrum so I understood. It’s taken me years to figure relationships out. It was easier for me to relate to children and animals than other adults as the emotional landscape was more direct and vivid.
In talking to my friend, I explained two things that helped me.
Actions, not words
The first — ignore what people say. Watch what they do.
I used this tactic when I moved to a new place and tried to find a church.
Some pastors and congregations are great at talking. They are like salespeople. If you stay quiet and watch, however, the truth will come out.
Some congregations are truly motivated by love, not power. They want to meet the needs of their neighbors, whether or not they attend that particular church. They don’t try to lord it over others who are less “righteous”. They accept that all of us are flawed instead of enforcing legalistic codes that demand perfection. All types of people will be welcome in their church — regardless of race, gender identity, or income.
