On this Valentine’s Day, it’s probably safe to say that “love” is in the air. It is very easy to get caught up in the allure of Valentine’s Day with the emphasis that today’s culture puts on it. It’s almost impossible for you turn on the TV, listen to the radio, check your email, or walk around without the constant reminder of Valentine’s Day and its near approach. The chocolate, candy, teddy bears, and flowers abound in demonstration of our love toward one another. The history of Valentine’s or St. Valentine’s Day, in the way we know it today, dates back to the 18th century in England. But, that is not where the first great display and outpouring of love originates. I think of John 3:16: “For God so love the world He have His only begotten son, that who so ever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life.” (NKJV) Wow! Every time I read or hear that verse I can’t help but give one of those hearty and emphatic Pastor Wright “AMENs”. Such a powerful verse. Think about it for a moment: God gave His ONLY son for you and me. I challenge you to think of the amount of people you have seen this week. Just a grain of sand, really, to the big picture of the whole world. God did it knowing that most of us couldn’t care less. Now the bigger thing to me (that has me grinning from ear-to-ear as I type this) is that God would have done it ALL just for little ol’ unworthy me. Me…. Me? Who am I? Well, through the eyes of God I am worth it. Trust me– if I am worthy, you are definitely worthy. God is the author of love. He has shown us the greatest love through the gift of salvation, through the crucifixion of His ONLY son, Jesus Christ.
While Jesus was here on earth, He left a clear blueprint on how our Father intends us to love. “’And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us. “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” (I John 4:19-21 NKJV) Love your neighbor, love your brother. It’s really easy to only apply these concepts to our literal neighbors, the people living adjacent to us. However, God meant for our love to extend beyond our proximity. Everyone we come in contact with is our neighbor and our responsibility just as much as those we do not directly interact with. We are all connected, and we never know just how our actions may impact one another. So, we must always aim to show the love that God has shown us.
There may be someone reading this who is searching for love. Remember: God is love. Seek the Father and know true love—an unconditional, unwavering love. He loves us more than we could imagine. So, the question should never be “Does God love me?” Without a doubt, His love is there for you free of charge, the gift of salvation is proof of that.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, reflect on your life. How have you experienced the essence of God’s love in your life? Please share in the comments below.
Peace and blessings,
Mikhail