I once found myself in a difficult situation with a colleague whom I treasured. I had to exclude this person from a project. I knew this action would wound terribly, but I had to do what was right. The situation pushed me to an emotional and spiritual breaking point.

In the midst of the crisis, I sought out my boss, Bruce Larson. After discussion and prayer, Bruce led me from his office with his arm around my shoulder saying, "I am convinced you are acting in love; but, the real problem is that nobody knows what color love is." I walked toward my office pondering Bruce's comment.

As I sat in contemplation, I received a visual image of this large woven basket-box of crayons in every color. I imagined myself digging through all of these colors seeking the one that was "love" for my particular situation. It was a horrifying challenge.

What color is love? We don't always know. But we can orient our lives in such a way that we are intent upon looking for that color in our relationships and behaviors. ...