Oh dear, I just noticed that I wrote a blog on Valentine's Day and somehow it never got published. Oh well, every day is a good day to explore the magic of love. I am sorry about this, but trust that the Lord withheld it for a special person who will now be reading it.
This is the perfect definition of love. . .
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. I Corinthians 13: 4 - 8
A Happy Valentine's Day to those of you who have romantic souls and enjoy celebrating 'love'. We've pretty much dropped the 'Saint' in Saint Valentine's Day, but know that there really was a Saint of God at the heart of this holiday. As with so many of our favorite holidays - Valentine's Day has Christian roots.
I've been amused the last few days listening to people on the radio, TV, or writing in the daily newspaper trying so hard to define and describe the word love. I heard one say, "You just can't explain this feeling, emotion, or whatever it is."
That "whatever it is", makes the world a different place for those who have it, and those who don't. We sometimes tend to judge ourselves by how many and how much others love us. We innately crave to be loved and wish to give love. Our pets so often reap the rewards of this desire. If God has put love into your heart by the power of His Holy Spirit, it's going to surface someplace.
". . .God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us." Romans 5:5
The Bible indicates that we don't have a love of our own, but rather God gives us His love. If He doesn't give it, we don't have it.
We humans desire to connect with others, at least healthy ones do. Often people who suffer from anxiety and depression don't want to engage in meaningful relationships, they're not able to. Social media has become so popular, worldwide. Being connected, even in a superficial way, helps to ease 'alone - ness'. The numbers of those who participate in sites like Facebook show a common desire to have someone witness their life. I've read this is why most people marry - to have someone witness their life. Do you think this is true?
We are unable to love someone or have them love us unless God has supplied the love. Again, we are totally dependent upon Him. I John 4 tells us God is love. When you come to accept God's love in your life, you release the desire and need for others to supply love that they are not capable of giving. You become content in knowing 'God loves me' and this keeps us from looking for love in all the wrong places. Which usually gets us in trouble.
Somehow, when you feel assured that you are loved by God, you become more lovable. As your neediness lessens, your confidence builds and others are attracted to you. Most of us like to be around confident people - specifically, those whose confidence is in the Lord.
"The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it."
I Thessalonians 5: 24
I believe this to be true. . .you will never rise above the image you have of yourself in your own mind. Those who believe need to be aware every minute of every day that they are one of the KING'S KIDS. It doesn't get any better than that. The Lord has promised He would never leave us or forsake us.
Lord we thank you for this day to celebrate love and remind us that it is Your love that we are in need of. There are so many lonely people in this world. . .you know every one of them. Please help them to feel loved today and to know of your grace.
