Efficacious Love

Recently I attended a wedding where the pastor challenged the couple to love each other efficaciously. That's a mighty big word and I had no idea what it meant. The dictionary defines efficacious as the power or capacity to produce a desired effect. The couple was being challenged to love in such a way that the results would be manifested in building the other person up, in making them a better person, a better spouse. The one loving efficaciously would receive proportionately to the degree they poured in love. This sounds great and many times efficacious love works to the benefit of both parties and the glory of God. Yet, there are those times when one person loves as efficaciously as they can, but the recipient just can't receive that kind of love or takes advantage of it. I guess that would be a love gone wrong song for sure.
What a blessing it is to love and be loved efficaciously. I have experienced this kind of love in my marriage. It has made me a better wife and partner.
I have experienced this kind of love by God. He has loved me unconditionally. His efficacious love has produced a life in me, and around me, and for me, that I would never have known. His love has caused me to love when I didn't want to, help when I didn't want to, take hurt when I didn't want to. There is not enough space here to fill what God's efficacious love has done in my life. People often love to get something back. This is a self centered love. But God, He loves because that is Who He is. When God loves efficaciously the power and the effect is more than we can fathom. His love for us, and in us, and through us, has the power and effect to change lives in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, churches...
Who will you love efficaciously today?