What is Your Love Quotient?
We all have heard of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) that measure our intellectual acumen and ability to relate well to others. As important as these things can be, Jesus had another quotient he said was an identification mark of his disciples, that is, our love quotient. In John 13:34-35 he said, “I give you a new commandment: that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I recently read a researcher who stated, “Growing churches possess on the average a measurably higher love quotient than stagnant or declining ones.” While it can be difficult at times to measure the depth of our love, it can be demonstrated in things such as church members spending time with one another outside of church events, sharing meals together, giving compliments, laughing and caring for one another in good times and bad. When people look at the church, they don’t want to just hear us talk about love, they want to see and experience how Christian love really works. When our LQ is high it becomes noticeable and bears witness that we are true followers of Jesus. It also attracts those who need to experience God’s love to come and find it in our congregations, which then opens the door to hear and embrace the power of the gospel. So, what is your love quotient? – Dr. Gary Mathes