If we want rich, full lives, then we must cultivate rich, full love. The more we give, the more we receive — and the richer life becomes.

Love is the greatest commandment (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:36-40); it’s the distinguishing mark of a disciple of Jesus (John 13:34-35); and it’s the core attribute of God himself (1 John 4:8, 16). Those three facts, among many others throughout scripture, ought to be enough to convince us that love is not just one characteristic to add to our obedience, faith, and sacrifice. It’s really the center. If we don’t have love, as Paul said (1 Corinthians 13), nothing else we do actually matters.

Love—intentional, authentic love—needs to be our daily priority. It comes before to-do lists, keeping the kids in line, fulfilling our responsibilities, and earning an income. In fact, it fills them all. We get so busy about living that we often miss the spirit of life. Then we start to ask, “Is this all there is?” and wonder why life seems so unfulfilling. If we want rich, full lives, we have to cultivate rich, full love. The more we give, the more we receive, and the richer life becomes.