How can we love fervently? And why would we want to? Synonyms for fervent are: “enthusiastically,” “eagerly,” “energetically” or “intently.” Is that how you love? The original language translates it, “to stretch out” or “ to reach.” A modern word picture on this type of “all in” committed love might be best explained using a football analogy. Our son, Caleb, played the Safety position in high school and college. He was the last man on the field someone had to go through to make a touchdown. Because of this, Caleb was highly motivated to do whatever it took to reach and stretch out to grab a player. This is an intense, “whatever it takes” attitude of love.
This can be a challenge because people can be hard to love. We all have our “issues.” And these quirks get on other’s nerves. Some require more patient fervent love than others! One of my friends calls the hard-to-love folk, “EGR: Extra Grace Required.”
The thing you love about someone can drive you crazy too. It is like two sides of a coin, and you need a way to turn the coin over and remember, “Oh yeah! That’s why I love them!”
