As we welcome February, I find myself reflecting on a lesson I shared at a Ladies' Retreat. It was such a meaningful experience that I will break it down into two or three posts to share with all of you! The lesson title was "God is Love."
I understand that we may feel love for many things during our time on this earth: other people, animals, objects like gifts from loved ones, or a new vehicle we’ve had our eye on for a long time. However, I tell you that the most important thing we can know about love is that God is Love!
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-11
God is love! This simple yet profound truth highlights the importance of love in our lives. Love constrains, uplifts, holds, and drives us.
Love is the driving force in a Christian's life. True love nurtures kindness towards others' imperfections and shows charity towards their faults. While we do not condone sin, we forgive and forget past offenses when repentance occurs. We should overlook differences and shortcomings, ensuring our actions and attitudes remain free from sin.
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity (or love), which is the bond of perfectness.”
Col. 3:12-14
Have you ever considered love’s importance in our lives? The Bible is clear!
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity (or love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (or love). 1Cor.13:13
“Follow after charity…” (or love) 1Cor. 14:1
“And above all things have fervent charity (or love) among yourselves: for charity (or love) shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1Pet. 4:8
Think about these facts:
Love isn't always perfect, is it? It isn't a fairytale or a storybook. And it isn’t what most people think it is. Love is learned and cultivated, and it doesn't always come easy.
Love is overcoming obstacles. Love faces challenges and triumphs. Love is fighting to stay together, holding on, and never letting go.
Love is a short, simple word, hard to define, and impossible to live without.
The psychological pain of being ignored or replaced activates the same region of the brain that responds to physical pain.
It is a scientific fact that you can actually die from a broken heart. This condition is known as Broken Heart Syndrome.
Scientists have found that being in love causes a couple’s heartbeats to synchronize.
Hugging someone you love reduces stress instantly.
It is a scientific fact that thinking of a loved one, looking at their picture, or holding their hand helps alleviate pain.
It’s no wonder you were on His mind when Christ was on the cross.
You were at the center of His thoughts.
His love for mankind, for you, for me, kept Him there!
“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.” Jn. 3:16
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
1Jn. 4:9-10
Truly, love is the driving force of all life and, most importantly, the Christian life. So, as we think of love during February, let us ensure we don't leave God out. If we want the truth about true love, we must look to Him first!
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