I have underwent that process of taking a confusing world view and seeking divine simplicity. This simplicity has come in the form of the following:
Love = what God has given to us (1 John 4)
Passion = how we give back to God (Colossians 3:23)
You see, the root of Passion in the Greek language can deal with both heart and suffering. The heart aspect of passion is how love and passion intersect. Where our treasure is, there our heart is also. So what we are passionate about and pursue in life is where our heart is. Doing things with all of our heart (when abiding in God) shows that our passion exists because of love.
Where passion and love differ is in the suffering aspect. Think of it this way. God's love for us does not fade, diminish, or fluctuate in any way. Our passion can though, based upon how much we are willing to suffer for our cause. The closer I grow to God, the more my passion grows for the calling that God has for me. The more my passion grows, the more I am willing to suffer for this passion. But my reassurance comes from Psalm 30, where I know that although I may have to endure the suffering tonight, I can embrace the suffering tomorrow... when the joy comes in the morning.
