Love. The world obsesses about it. If it is lacking in an individual’s childhood, that person may spend their life chasing after it. People will pay to find a spouse. Thousands of songs are about it, and everyone seeks it in one way or another. The Word of God is not silent on this subject that seems to be all-consuming in human existence. Rather than writing to a life-advice columnist, consulting personality traits, or giving up on understanding the questions and frustrations that arise in human relationships, turn to the Bible.
Whether it is love of family, friends, spouse, or the love between God and man, there is a Biblical answer to the question. Love is one of the most pervasive themes in Scripture, and it is the foundation for understanding the message of the Gospel.
What Is Love?
Love can be complicated to define, especially since different languages have different words for different types of love. It is also dynamic, manifesting differently depending on the relationship between the individuals or groups. In English, the Dictionary definition of love is, “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.” But how does this compare to the Biblical definition of love? There is an entire chapter of 1 Corinthians dedicated to defining it. These verses are used often in weddings. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) KJV. These same scriptures in The Message Bible
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Without love we are bankrupt... That's Powerful.
God is love, and His love endures. If love defines God and shall last forever, then Christians should strive to seek and show that love. Because humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, people love. 1 John 4:19 sums it up well: “We love because he first loved us.” All love amongst all people exists because a loving God imbued His created children with His nature. Share the love of the Lord not just today but every day. Let LOVE prevail.
Excerpts from an article written by Bethany Verrett
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
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