I Corinthians 13:13 – “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).”
Perhaps it is because my wife and I just celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary. Perhaps it is because again this year in recognition of Valentine’s Day, I will spend a small fortune purchasing cards, stuffed animals and cookies, candy, or some other sweet food item for my wife, four daughters and two granddaughters. Perhaps it is because every time I read the Word of the Lord, spend time in worship and praise, or merely think of His goodness, I am reminded of the powerful force that love is.
On the 14th of this month, many will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Through the years, many have developed different explanations of its origin, how they observe the day, and why they observe the day. However, one thing is consistent: Valentine’s Day remains a day love is celebrated.
Surely you have heard there are three (3) types of love: philos (brotherly); eros (romantic); and agape (godly). I propose that all types of love have their origin in God. I’m sure some of you may disagree but consider the following.
John 15:13 – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” The Scripture continues to say that some may die for a friend. A few may even die for a stranger. But practically no one will die for an enemy – but Jesus. Our Savior’s love was so great, He gave his life for all, friend and foe.
Genesis 2:22-23 – “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” God ordained that through a godly marriage (as God defined marriage), two people would unite and become as one. This type of love is so powerful that often times Jesus used the marital relationship to describe the relationship between he and the Church.
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. That whosever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This type of love has never been equaled by any god or deity known to man, but Jehovah. No other god loved his followers enough to take their worshipper’s place in suffering. Only the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would become incarnate and reconcile the world back to Himself.
Love has to be the greatest force, gift and blessing of all. As the Apostle Paul ended this letter to the believers in Corinth, he spoke about prophecy, giving, wisdom, faith, and hope: however, he stated definitively that love was the greatest! I agree love has to be the greatest. In John’s first epistle he states, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” There can be no power on earth, beneath the earth, or above the earth that is as great as God.
This year, if you choose to celebrate those you love, remember who gave us the ability to love – God Himself. How about we endeavor to show how much we love Him!
I bless you in the name of the Lord!