But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Today is Valentine's Day, a day celebrated by many all over the world and a celebration some Christians deem as nothing but a pagan celebration. One that has been turned into nothing but shallow and selfish by the world we live in. And in turn, has indeed contaminated manys' understanding both young and old of what Love really is or means. The world thinks love is what makes you feel good (emotions), and not forgetting all the Hollywood movies ideas of love; all fluffy, romantic and shallow. When I look around, all I see is how many are prepared and willing to sacrifice moral standards, principles and other's rights in order to obtain such "Love."
The Bible says, "God is love", not Love is God" in my understanding, this means love isn't a feeling but rather a person, choice and an action. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us God is the source of our love: He loves us enough to sacrifice His Son for us. Jesus is our example of what it really means to love. God's love the source of all human love. In loving us His children, He rekindles a flame in our hearts. In turn we, His children are able to love others the way He loves unconditionally without reservations or any selfishness.
I want each and everyone of us to use today, the worlds celebration of love to reach out to the afflicted, broken hearted, bruised, disappointed in love. By warming their hearts and healing it with God's love through us. Lets show the world how perfect love is; ....Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
Living a lifestyle of love requires we live in God, as Christians lets be the example we are called to be in this fallen and broken world by imparting what is pure, true, trustworthy and loving into our children for they are our future and the next generation of restored hope. Make a decision to spread God’s love through your life today to as many people as you can. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Reflections:
Take some time today and read the whole chapter of 1 John 4 and 1 Corinthians 13. Also use this opportunity to share with the world what true and real love is by being the light you were called to be through Christ Jesus.
Power verses:
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away-- 1 Corinthians 13:8
"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life down for one's friends."-- John 15:13
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters-- 1 John 3:16
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.-- 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness-- 1 John 2:9
2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.
Today, I want all of us to spend some quiet time pondering over what real love really means. We as Christians and Believers are called to be the light of this world. This also means loving as Christ does, with no reservations and prejudice. We are to love with unfailing love as we have been loved by our creator. Through Him, we have become Heirs of the throne of Glory through faith, love and grace. Not because any of us are more worthy than the other but through His grace that is offered to many. Stop judging others for when you judge you regard yourself as better or superior than another. Do what you are called to do and serve with all diligence of heart in love and with love. Jesus didn't come for the righteous but for the broken hearted and afflicted; that is you and I.
ReplyDeleteI love you all my brothers and sisters in Christ with the unconditional love of Christ. Happy Valentine's Day.
Remain blessed,
Enyonam
Thank you for the reminder of the word L.O.V.E.
ReplyDeleteI will ponder the word today!
I added your post to my blog "What is Love?"
Thank you Soul's Remedy, will read it.
ReplyDeleteAre you familiar with Kathy Troccoli? Her CD called 'The Story of Love' has 1 Cor. 13 put to music. It's great!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting me today, and for this encouragement to really love. :o)
@Irritable Mother, No I am not but will look her up. I will love that, thanks for stopping by too.
ReplyDeleteRemain blessed,
Enyonam