Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
Our world has all sorts of ideas about what love looks like. While “Love” is everywhere, it doesn't always match true love.
Christians must find their understanding of love in the Bible. In God’s Word, we find love commanded, modeled, selfless, and serving. Love is a choice. While emotions certainly play a part in love, they are not the primary deciding factor. One cannot be commanded to feel something, but the Bible commands us to love. To even love our enemies! This type of love must be a choice made in the power of the Holy Spirit. Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Interestingly enough, feelings usually come when we obey the Lord's command.
We know that we love God because He first loved us. If we love God, we can't help but love others. God is love. God displayed the ultimate love by sending His Son to die in our place. Jesus showed the ultimate love by sacrificing His life for us. When you look at our passage for today, you look at Jesus. These words describe Him.
Love is a choice, and love is an action. As we celebrate this Valentine's Day, let's remember 1 John 3:18 NLT Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You for being a loving God. Thank You for loving us so much that You gave Jesus to die in our place. Help us to love You, and to love others today. Help us to express that love in words and actions for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.