From 1907 until 1978, William Barclay, a well-known Scottish theologian and biblical scholar, lived. His goal as a New Testament author was to make religious teachings understandable and accessible to all. His views on the true nature of love in relation to Christ are among his most noteworthy.

According to Barclay, true love necessitates commitment and action in addition to feelings. He asserts that being willing to shoulder someone else's difficulties and burdens as your own is a necessary part of loving them. He saw Jesus's life as a clear example of this idea, as he chose to accept rather than avoid the challenges of his mission.

Think of love as a river that flows between individuals. True love encounters opposition and demands work, much like water in a stream must navigate obstacles like rocks and curves. It doesn't just go smoothly; it frequently faces obstacles and necessitates compromises. This concept transcends romantic love and encompasses our interactions with other people as well as our ties to religious leaders or ideals.

When Barclay talks about loving Christ, he implies that this type of devotion involves more than just sharing a strong emotional connection; it also entails being willing to follow his lead when facing challenges. The Cross, which represents all the difficulties Jesus encountered and went through for the sake of humanity, is like carrying a heavy load. We must be prepared to shoulder that burden ourselves if we are to genuinely love someone who exemplifies such sacrifice.

Essentially, Barclay tells us that true love embraces obligations and sacrifices wholeheartedly, much like a river that never stops flowing toward its goal in spite of all the obstacles it faces.