TRUE LOVE

 

     As Valentines Day approaches many people and their hearts turn to love.  They think of cards, flowers, and gifts for that special person in their lives.  Today we have so many interesting concepts of love.  Back in 1969 Dionne Warwick sang a song saying, “What the world needs now is love sweet love.”  In the same year a Christian song writer named Andre Crouch wrote these words, “Jesus is the answer for the world today above Him there is no other Jesus is the way.”  Many do not know this, but love is a communicated attribute of God.

     Love is who God is.  1 John 4:8 says that God is love.  It is His essence, nature, and character.  John 3:16 sums up God’s love.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Love is not just a bunch of chemicals rattling around in our brain as science has tried to define it.  It is a gift from God.  He gave it so we can have a friendship with Him and others. 

     Did you know that love is a commitment?  Feelings fade or change but love is a decision.  You decide that no matter what you face together you stay in relationship with those you have chosen to love.  Family is a good example.  You may disagree or at times dislike each other but because you love each other you forgive and move on. 

     Love has been expressed and abused by people throughout the ages.  It has been written about.  Love has been discussed and explained a thousand ways and often wrongly.  The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, gives us the best picture or snapshot of love and it goes as follows.  “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  8 Love never fails.  In the last verse of this chapter Paul states that these three remain, faith, hope and love but the greatest of these is love. 

     William Shakespeare said that love is not a fancy or feast.  Love is deeper than emotions.  It is more than just a connection between two people.  It has its heart and essence in God.  So, as you approach this Valentine season.  As you think of that special one.  Remember the love you have for them is a gift of God.  It is not to be exploited or manipulated.  It has value and is precious.  If God has placed someone in your life value them and express more often in a tangible way you love them.  I guarantee it will return to you.