Concupiscible Love
The concupiscible passions stand related to good and evil simply and easily. This means that we are talking about the aspects of love that only require a little fortitude or diligence. Although, this kind of love certainly has its place. Christ communicates its importance by saying, "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much."(Luke 16:10). Concupiscible love is necessary because it is how we are given the clarity to trust in a relationship where good is paramount, however,
Within our relationship with God and any relationship with others, we often think there is either total self-sacrifice or enjoyable convenience. This distinction is more unhelpful than it is false, and it is false. The reality is that the only enterprise that is truly worthwhile in the whole human project is love (implying proper order = justice). We are called to love all in various modes and expressions. Not only do simple acts of love and denial of evil have good theoretical significance, but it is how affection is increased, trust is established, and knowledge of the other is developed. Simple acts of love then are the parts of love that form communion and the irascible is that which upholds it in times of inconvenience if not also trial.[1] These acts should reveal what the heart has for a relationship, thus these acts should not be done like input put X to get Y, but rather "I have the desire to show my interest in willing the good because I wish to do so always for said person, so I will at least do this when it is easily and appropriately done"(Philippians 2:3-5; cf.Matthew 15:11-20). Similarly, I despise evils that are not much of a temptation so I will avoid doing them because I wish to be my best. If I give in to temptations in small ways, when more intense temptation comes, I am not inclined to say yes (Exodus 23:8, Proverbs 4:4, Isaiah 33:15).
In conclusion, when being intentional about showing love to someone it is important that we do not only do what is simple and easy, but it must be where we begin. Concupiscible love requires little strength and little knowledge, however, it does still require a heart and understanding of the significance of the smallest things. If we begin with little things and progress to larger things, we don't risk missing something important, it prevents our heart from presuming goodness in great acts to someone who is not likely to will our good in big ways in return, and provides context for the relationship, expressions/extents of communion, and it allows one to properly order and discern what is truly good in conscience and conceptual reasoning.
FN:
