“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
– 1 John 4:7,8
On this Valentine’s Day, or the day of love as we often refer to it, I want to encourage you with the thought that you are not only loved by your family and friends, but by God, who is the definition of love — the One who wrote the book! Of all the things our vast Creator could have defined Himself as, He chose to say that He is love. Take a minute and let that sink in. The One who spoke the universe into existence with a word, the One who moves mountains and sets the stars in the sky, the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and the One who puts the power of an atom bomb in a tiny little cell — that very One loves the world. Although He is majestic and mighty, He is a caring and compassionate Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. That’s the wonder of Yahweh: He is the God who loves the ones who follow Him. In a world whose history has often demanded that children and humans are sacrificed to pagan “gods,” there is a loving Heavenly Father who chooses to reach out, tend to, and take care of those who observe His lead. This is the miracle of love! Friend, God has all the time, money, health, and goodness you will ever need in this world, and He has made it available to you! When Jesus went to the cross, the Good Shepherd sacrificed Himself in your place so that you can experience the most generous, satisfying, and complete love you will ever know. When He came up from the grave, He conquered sin, death, and darkness forever and He extended His Hand to you. Because you tugged on his heartstrings, He made Himself available to you in the form of never-ending, limitless, and totally abundant life and relationship! Take Jesus’ Hand today and your understanding of love will be transformed! Isn’t that incredible news? |
Prayer
Jesus, I believe that you are love; I receive the fullness of your life in my mind, body, and spirit. Teach me to live and love as you do.
Reflection
How is God’s love different than the world’s love? How has it changed your life?
One Response
God’s everlasting love has changed my life forever on how to spread the love of GOD to the unlovely to sinnerman praying that they will be saved & come into the knowledge of GOD’s love as well!