Quid, Pro, Quo (John 15:13)

“I have faithfully loved you for 10 years. I never disagreed with you. I always remained loyal to you. You should be grateful and love me in return. 

“That’s not what love is. Just because you loved me for 10 years doesn’t mean I owe you something. Love isn’t like that. Love is not quid, pro, quo.”

As I watched a drama, I was struck by this conversation. On the surface, I would have agreed with the first speaker but the answer hit deeper. Love isn’t like that. Love is not quid, pro, quo. And this is the issue I had not learned. 

For so many years, I viewed love as transactional. I would do things in the hope that others would notice. I would perform a selfless act for another with the hidden hope that someday they may return a similar action. It was only when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that I understood the true meaning of love.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 (ESV)

Love is not quid, pro, quo. It does not give only when given. Love is sacrificial. It gives regardless of the consequences. It is patient, kind, and does not remember wrongs. It bears all things, believes all things, and hopes for all things. Rabbi Julius Gordon elegantly summarized it, “Love is not blind, it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less.”

I am still learning this kind of love. I still catch myself measuring effort and keeping score. But the cross has ended my right to demand repayment. Jesus did not love me because I was faithful, agreeable, or loyal. He loved me while I was still learning what love even meant. Love that keeps score will always be disappointed. Love that is anchored in Christ is already full.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

#faith #trustinggod #christianity #jesuschrist #bible #seekinggodswill #truth #sanctification #godisincontrol #godhearsourprayers #salvation #providenceofGod #quidproquo #John15:13 #love #rabbijuliusgordon