Absolute plentitude: the definition of God’s love - Becky Parker

Absolute plentitude: the definition of God’s love

“Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth.” - Matthew 5:5

I have seen the word "gentle" in this text also translated as meek or humble. Generally, in our society gentleness, meekness, and humility are not valued traits and are often met with ridicule and even contempt. Manifesting these qualities will most likely get you labeled as weak. However, the truth is, we can only be truly and consistently gentle, meek, and humble when we are very strong. Strong in faith, hope, and love.

I once listened to a lecture on attachment and sibling rivalry. The speaker said the very nature of infinity is absolute plentitude. You cannot take away from or add to infinity. If a child believes that a parent’s love is infinite, there is nothing to fear if a sibling gets the love because he’s not losing anything. It is when a child experiences love as a finite thing there is alarm, frustration and fear. Because then the child is afraid that if someone else receives love, then they get less or there is not enough for them.

This is one of the best descriptions of the cause of the hate, violence, and pain in our world. And although the speaker did not necessarily intend this interpretation, it is conversely one of the best descriptions of God and His love I have ever heard. The I Am is absolute plentitude. We cannot take away from or add to His very nature, which is love. We can only choose to rest in it or not.

Sadly, the overwhelming majority of human beings throughout history have only experienced love as finite and we have all experienced love as conditional and uncertain at some point in life. Even by the most well-meaning of parents, caregivers, and friends. We cannot rest in this kind of love, so we must work for it and by all means, we must contend with others for our share.

True strength is to take a grand leap of faith and hope on our part. It is to say: “my experience of love, attention, and belonging has been mostly conditional with other people. I know that I have felt the pain of belonging and acceptance revoked when I don’t meet others’ needs or expectations. But I choose to hope of a love that is steadfast and sure. A love that does not change and is never exhausted. I will rest in this love and even if there are things I am denied, I will rest securely because there will be enough for me.”

A trust in this never-ending love God provides is what leads to true gentleness because you no longer have to fight for your place. You can be truly meek because you no longer must retaliate or seek vengeance when you can trust that you will be cared for. You can be truly humble and know that it is okay if someone else is celebrated and admired because you are also the apple of His eye.

There were 12 baskets of food left after Jesus fed over 5,000 people. Absolute plentitude at work and assuring us of His care and provision. If we can choose to accept this love and rest in it, this can be for us an experience that is safe, inviting, and more fulfilling than anything we have known. It can free us to be gentle, meek, and humble, and to let go of fear, anxiety, and a need for retribution.

However, we can also continue working and striving for the fleeting glimpses of love we receive from others. It is understandable because we rightly desire the feeling of joy and contentment that comes when we are accepted and loved. We must understand though that if love or belonging demands us to strive and contend, it is not the love of Abba.

I pray we all may take the step, walk out in faith, and choose to hope for this freeing love. Only when we feel unconditionally loved, valued, and cared for will we truly be able to love, value, and care for our families, neighbors, and enemies. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)