When most of us think of love, we think of that dreamy feeling we get when we fall in love. We think of romance and all that it entails. Long walks under the stars hand in hand. We also think of Valentines Day…flowers, boxes of chocolates with maybe a diamond ring tucked inside with the words, I LOVE YOU! engraved on it; Or maybe that heart shaped Valentine card with just the right words you thought you’d never hear. It’s all so wonderful. I really believe God gave us all of those healthy emotions on purpose. There’s nothing like loving someone and being loved in return; But, there’s so much more than just a feeling. Sometimes, in order to be loved, we have to show love first.
God’s very nature is love. We love him because he first loved us even when we didn’t deserve it. Sometimes, we have to be the first one to smile at that grouchy person we see in the checkout line. Love is not always about what you can receive, but, more often, it’s more about what you can give.
Try this little experiment this next week. Be the first one to say Hello and smile. Offer a kind word or a hug. See how it brightens up those around you. Remember the awesome love that God has spilled over into your own life, while sharing with others that same love that you have received. Always believe the best in others and let them know it. It may just be your last chance to tell them. Even if there’s only one good thing to say, look for that one strength they possess and magnify it. Sometimes, the only bright ray of sunshine they might receive is that which you can give them.
God is love. He is kind, slow to anger, full of grace and mercy. He abounds in love. His love is perfect, unlike our shallow humanly love, which depends so much on our circumstances. He loves us unconditionally. His love is so powerful that just one word spoke the entire world into existence.
Do you know your incredible worth? You are precious in his sight. Have you ever really looked at the uniqueness in each snowflake? There are no words to express such a magnificent creation. They are so radiant as they shimmer like diamonds, and yet no two snowflakes are just alike. That’s how special you are to God, only a million times more. There is no one else exactly like you. God is so close. In fact, he is rejoicing over you with singing. He is rejoicing in his creation, You!
Enjoy this Valentines day to the very fullest. God Bless You.
Scripture:
1 Corinthians, 13:4-7 NIV
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.