John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God for God is love
I John 3:14
We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Welcome to February. This is the month we observe African American History Month, Ground Hog Day, President’s Day and Valentines Day. As you walk through the stores, we see a lot of pink and red and lots of candy and flowers (I have already begun shopping for my wife, four daughters and two granddaughters – I solicit your prayers!).
Has there ever been a topic that dominates every aspect of our culture more than the word “love”? Can you count the number of love songs? How many movies have love as the theme or main motivating factor? The word love is referenced 442 times in the King James version of the bible. There are doctors, therapist, counselors, coaches, family members, clergy, hypnotist, friends, and a host of other people speaking, talking and advising on the subject of love.
Have you heard of any of these sayings regarding love?
- You can’t buy love
- Love is a many splendid thing
- You can’t live off love
- If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with
- Love means never having to say you’re sorry
- You always hurt the one you love
I do not agree with most of these sayings, however, I do believe that love is the greatest power in the world today. This is mainly because God declared so (I Corinthians 13: l3), “And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).” Also, the Word of the Lord reminds us that He is love (I John 4:8).
It never ceases to amaze me how many people have the wrong understanding of what real love is. We look for love in the wrong places. We ask the wrong people for advice when we’re experiencing difficulties in relationships. We over emphasize physicality or other material things as they relate to love. Then, we’re surprised when we have issues in our lives. I propose we turn back to God for the correct understanding of love.
If we learn anything from God about love, we know that love is giving of oneself for others. There can be no selfishness in love. There can be no abuse or favoritism in love. Love is never contingent or for sale. Yet, love is not free because for the one giving love, they are paying a price. Finally, there are no guarantees when you love.
This month I’m going to celebrate the love I have for God, my wife, my family, my church, my pastor, my neighbors, my country, and even my enemies. I’m going to try to love as God loves. It’s going to cost me, but the rewards make it worth the price.
I bless you in the name of the Lord!