A man once commented that he and his wife never had to ask forgiveness from each other because they got along so well and had a good marriage. My first thought was that of many pastors and counselor’s I have heard speak on this…the man is either a liar or clueless! Recently I had a different thought. Maybe this man is without passion.

Unfortunately people can live their whole lives without passion. Instead they are controlled by fear. Fear of being real. Fear of being disappointed. Fear of being accepted. Fear of not being loved. Fear of not feeling significant. Fear of what another thinks of them or their family. Fear of everything. Without passion a person will fear sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ or sharing the Word. A person without passion will go along in life trying to please people, accepting life as it is. They might resent another with passion because it rocks the boat and reminds them of what they lack. They might be negative and critical of people or churches with passion. Usually this is due to shining a flashlight on what they don’t have – passion. This will continue unless one day something deep down inside changes.

The pastor who married Todd and I commented that our passion attracted us to each other. Passion for Christ. Passion for the Word of God. Passion for reaching the lost. Passion for the church. etc.  He was right. Before Todd I had other men pursue me. Fortunately a pastor and close friend at the time encouraged me to hold out for passion. Too many settle for fear no one else will come along. I chose passion.

Passion is defined as “any kind of feeling by which the mind is powerfully affected or moved.”  It can mean a variety of emotions. When I think of passion I think of the words extreme, strong, enthusiasm, strong love and intense.

We have passion in our marriage. Not just the physical though that is appreciated. We are passionate about life, our family, our church, our friends, Scripture, EVERYTHING. Actually not everything…I am not passionate about sports unless my boys are playing. I am not passionate about sewing because I don’t. But you get my point!  We are passionate about our opinions but keep short accounts with one another when an apology is needed. Passionate people are usually quicker to forgive. Passionless people find it easier to hold grudges.

Like attracts like. Passionate people are attracted to one another. People without passion usually are annoyed, critical and negative about those with passion. They might feel intimidated by others. They might even feel intolerant of those with passion. They also attract others without passion and welcome their negative thoughts and comments.

A couple of men in our church both Todd and I enjoy are Mr. Robert who is 82 and Jimmy who is 50. Both have passion. Both are full of life. Both are passionate about Jesus. Both are passionate about people. Both are stimulating to interact with. Both are movers and shakers. Both are passionate about the Word. We connect with them easily. We deeply love and respect each. Being with passionate people will energize you and inspire you unless you are too insecure or intimidated around them. Being with people who lack passion can drain you. Who do you choose to be with?

I love working with youth because youth have passion. If you can get that passion directed toward Jesus you can have a youth that will make a difference in his world.

With every great strength are also weaknesses. People with passion risk being misunderstood or taken the wrong way. In their desire to be real they can sometimes be taken the wrong way and offend. Give them a chance. The disciples were full of passion and turned the world upside down. Shouldn’t we be the same?

Another post will talk about how to develop passion in  your life. In the meantime, what has helped you grow your passion? Appreciate your thoughts on this topic.