With Valentine’s Day upon us, almost every blog I’ve read this week expresses some variation on the theme of love. Recollections of adolescent attempts at expressing love have brought laughter. Some moved me to adoration by their sweetness. In the past month, I’ve shed sorrowful tears for those who lost a loved one and celebrated the joy of new love as couples began their life together. I’ve also read of God’s love for all mankind and the price He paid because of His love for us. This week, I urge you to consider love, for love’s sake.
I love you. Can there be any combination of words sweeter than these three? Most of us first hear them from our parents. And while we are very young, we develop our understanding of love by the actions done on our behalf. Our parents feed, clothe, play with, hold, hug, and yes, discipline us with love. It’s safe to say that many of us immerse our children and grandchildren in love.
As we grow, we discover the emotions of love. The first time you hold hands with that special someone. The first kiss shared with them. Your wedding day drips with love. Add a comma and the words “in Christ” to the end of that three-word phrase and it’s the highest compliment you can pay another Christian. Love has varying degrees and takes many forms. Yet, were it not for love, we would not exist. It was from love that God created us.
Firmly entrenched among the top 100 words found in the Bible is the word “love.” This is the case no matter what translation you choose. That distinction is evidence of its importance to God.
First Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV) reads, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” This verse comes right after the Apostle Paul’s description of God’s agape love. Here, we find three amazing “Forever Gifts” from God. By that, I mean that faith, hope, and love are spiritual gifts/blessings that once you receive them, they last forever. When I think of those three forever gifts, I must agree with Paul. Love is the greatest among them.
John Calvin put it best when he wrote, “Because faith and hope are our own: love is diffused among the others.” Faith and hope benefit us, the possessor of faith and hope. Love always benefits another.
When this world wears me down and its darkness attempts to envelop me, I turn to God’s Word to find comfort, courage, peace, and love. The Bible, God’s immutable word, is my source for all of these blessings. As I have grown in my faith, I look back at all the years I suffered without this source of encouragement and instruction.
God’s Word provides us the real definition of, and instructions for, love. #GodsLove #RealLove #PerfectLove Share on XA few years ago, I came across a one-page letter written by Mr. Barry Adams in 1999. This letter has comforted many and helped me achieve a better understanding of God’s love for me. His basic premise for this creative work is that the Bible, in and of itself, contains God’s love letter to us—His dear children.
I view Mr. Adams’ Father’s Love Letter as a forward-looking document. In his letter, he paraphrases the inerrant, forever truth-filled word of God. The Bible supports each statement and together, this letter shares a snippet of His love for us. I’ve attached a downloadable copy of this letter, so you might refer to it often as I do.
I pray you read this with the mindset of not the way this world is today, but how our world will one day be upon Christ’s return. If you can only find the courage and faith to follow Him as your Lord and Savior. (Click here to download a copy of Father’s Love Letter)
As Christians, God’s love should be at the core of who we are and all we do—in His name. #InHisName #ForLovesSake Share on XLove is core to God’s character, and it should be the central theme in the lives of Christians. The law of Christ (Matthew 22:37-40) is to love God and love others with His love (author paraphrased). Love is in all that God does and it should be present in all that we do as His children. Know that, in Christ, Ms. Diane and I love each of you on this Valentine’s Day.
God’s blessings,
Beautifully said.
Great Valentine post!! ♥️
Absolutely beautiful. God IS Love so for me that is the pinnacle of all things and my great quest in life. Happy Valentines Day to you and Ms. Diane.
The best valentine ever is the one God sent from heaven. His name is Jesus! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Ms. Diane. Prayers to both of you for continued health and blessings.
Enjoyed your thoughts on love. Those of us who know Jesus are truly blessed! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Ms. Diane.
I’ve downloaded the letter you referenced, J. D., and I will refer to it often, as you suggest.
Blessings and love to you and Ms. Diane!
Beautiful message. Amen. God is love! Have a blessed day!
Isn’t it amazing that no matter how many thoughts about love are written or spoken, there is always something meaningful that can be expressed. Thanks, J.D.
It’s always challenging to write on a subject that virtually every other writer on the planet is going to try to address at the same time, but you definitely held your own, J.D. But as challenging ads it can me, like you, I always find my heart being blessed by the multitude of ways we find to address this most monumental issue. It would seem rational to conclude that eventually, everything that could be said on the subject would have been said. Sooner or later, every analogy would have been presented, every scientific analysis revealed, every philosophical thought expressed, every psychological underpinning identified, every theological basis established, every sociological configuration tried, every personal application tried, and every fictional possibility explored.
Yet here we are, fresh blessings are filling our hearts that flow from ancient truth. Bittersweet tears are once again being spawned by familiar thoughts kicked in gear by words we use all the time. Old stages and used scenery are peopled with new faces and fresh joy is born. What an incredible gift God has given us. We’ve been handing out love and receiving it from others for more years than I want to mention, yet neither the available space for more incoming and the inventory to ship out have been diminished at all. If anything, they have expanded. So, thanks for the love you sent along with your post, and Diane and I are attaching some of our own right now.
And to add one more use of the term, we love the letter you shared. It’s definitely one of those resources that every follower of Jesus ought to have tucked away, both for our own tough days and to pass along to others we meet along the way. Anyhow… God bless you and your sweet Diane, and may the incredible love that bought our redemption be magnified around the Cross-Dubya this Valentine’s Day.
Beautiful Valentine’s Day post!
Wonderful message, JD! Our love is a glimmer of reflection of the great big love God has for us. God bless!
LOVE this.
I’ve been meditating a lot lately on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3, that we “may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” It’s interesting that right after this passage comes another we often take out of context: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Imagine thinking of God being able to do more than we ask or think when we pray people might come to know His love.
So much comes back to God’s love. God’s law convicted me of my sin, but His love drew me and assured me I could come to Him. When I feel lonely or down or insecure, knowing He loves me gives me peace and comfort and joy.
Life is harder without feeling God’s love. (I hesitate to use “feeling” when it comes to faith because truth trumps trumps feeling. But anyway…) I feel God’s love when I dive into His Word.
The loved letter you share is a keeper for sure. Downloaded and printed.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you Miss Diane!
Mr. J.D., thanks for the beautiful reminders of the immeasurable value of God’s love.
“And the greatest of these is love.” The love of God eclipses all. The wonder of it is living it out on the earth with our spouses, family, and friends. Can’t wait for heaven when we’ll dwell forever in perfect love with our Savior and Father God. Hope y’all had a wonderful day!
A great reminder of true love. Thank you.
Thank you for this beautiful love letter, my friend. God’s gift of love to us through Jesus Christ is immeasurable in its magnitude. We are so blessed. I’m also very grateful for his gift of love in that He created us with the ability to experience love from and with others–to give and receive love. Our God is so amazing! Wishing you and your bride much love, happiness, and good health.
Love is a difficult word to wrap our brain around and you’ve done an excellent job hitting the crucial aspects of it. How sad that we throw the word around so casually … I “love” Blue Bell though, but wouldn’t die on a cross for a bowlful. Jesus embodies love. Giving us an inerrant and complete record of his word is evidence of his love. All else we rely on will fall short. Thanks, JD!
This is such an endearing message and the letter is wonderful. God IS love. Love is not only something God does, but also who He is. God loved us so much, He gave His only Son to give us eternal life. Love laid down His life for us. Thank you, J.D.
It was from love God created us. My favorite line.
Beautiful message. Thanks JD
And know that I love you, too, on Valentine’s Day and every other day. How wonderful it is to know love reaches across the states all the way to Texas and the CrossDubya Ranch.
Beautiful post about God’s perfect love! Thank you, J.D.