Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5
“Love is a one way street. It always moves away from self in the direction of the other. Love is the ultimate gift of our selves to others. When we stop giving we stop loving, when we stop loving we stop growing, and unless we grow we will never attain personal fulfillment; we will never open out to receive the life of God. It is through love we encounter God.”
Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, also known as Mother Teresa (1910-1997) in Where There Is Love, There Is God Her Path to Closer Union with God and Greater Love for Others (New York: Crown Publishing Group, 2012) 26.
I had never thought of love as a one way street, but it fits. It makes sense. And there are a lot of places like Albania where the streets are narrow and one way streets cannot go both ways.
And notice the role of giving on this one way street. It’s the catalyst. When we stop giving, we stop loving and we stop growing. Think about it. Generous people are full of love and vibrant growth.
What about you? I am giving, loving, and growing this week with a group of colleagues that are serving around the world. By spending time together and encouraging each other, we are growing together.
Is there someone to whom you can give, love, and grow with today? Might this be the pathway for you to receive the life of God, for through loving, we really do encounter God.