the 5 Food Groups of LOVE

When I make the acquaintance of a christian brotha who catches my attention I try to observe his level of FITNESS in LOVE'S FIVE FOOD GROUPS. I am interested in how physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, and intellectually fit / healthy he is.

Examples:
Does he exercise regularly through recreational sport or fitness leisure ?
Is he clinging to glory days or massive hurts gone by ?
What does his pursuit of relationship with Christ Jesus look like ?
Does he HAVE to purchase the latest gadget or cell phone ?
How willingly does he engage in debate, analysis or learning ?

One's level of fitness is demonstrated by how they love God, self & others. My notion of "fitness" includes stepping up to challenges. To me, someone who confronts challenges and makes God-centered decisions exhibits some fitness. Ofcourse the evaluation of someone's level is somewhat subjective and lacks pin-point accuracy because we don't always know someone's motive.

Spiritual fitness is embodied in a robust pursuit of a meaningful & blossoming relationship with Christ Jesus. Study the Bible, spend time in biblical community, exercise your spiritual gift(s), and live out your increasing knowledge of God. Spiritually fit people exhibit fruits of the Spirit-- love joy, peace, patience, fathfulness, gentleness, kindness, goodness and self-control. physical fitness includes moving, maintaining & feeding your body. Scripture says that your body is a temple. Eat, rest, and exercise properly. good grooming seems to be a byproduct of physical fitness. Most people who take good care of their bodies present themselves well-grooming.

Emotional fitness includes more than i can say in one sitting. It certainly touches on inventorying God moving in your life, being honest with yourself, and lovingly honest with others. Emotional fitness includes embracing healing and choosing to let go when something's time has passed. Emotional fitness includes investing in mechanisms that help you express AND restrain your emotions-- like keeping a journal or reciting the fruits of the Spirit when angry (both of which I try to do). Emotionally fit people are easier to communicate with because they don't shut down or blow up when their buttons are pushed. They respond to God first, and you second.

Financial fitness is where the word "stewardship" readily springs to mind. But Godly stewardship should be applied to ALL AREAS of life. Financial fitness includes recognizing that God despises debt and loves generosity. It's fine to own stuff but always be sure to tend to the needs of others in a way that reflects 2 Corinthians 8:13-15.
13Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."

Intellectual fitness includes being open to understanding, but not necessarily absorbing, new things. you may not grasp everything, but try. When learning something new, be invigorated by formulating an opnion without writing it in stone. EXPRESS YOURSELF... creatively, academically, mechanically... however ! SHARE WISDOM that GOD LAYS ON YOU.

I use the "5 Food Groups" to reflect on where I'm at, how I'm progressing, what areas of my life need some attention. I also use the "5 Food Groups" to guide my love for my friends & family, address their broad spectrum of needs, and explore them as kindred spirits. Great prep for marriage... if that ever comes.

GENERAL NOTE: All these areas fall under the leading of the Holy Spirit. God should not be separated from ANY of these categories.