Hello Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I have returned from a small hiatus with some much needed revelation. I did not intend to take a break from blogging as one of my 2021 goals is to publish a new blog each week, and following this post I intend to keep that schedule (God willing).
Today, yesterday at the time of this publication, was Valentine’s Day. A day filled with love and social media posts either showcasing gifts and romantic stories or denouncing the day altogether. I found myself somewhere in the middle; I love love and revel in it but I am also dissatisfied with my own personal relationships leaving a sour taste in my mouth concerning the holiday. I don’t think I’m alone in this so I felt led to share what the Lord has revealed to me: God is love.
Now I know we always hear that God is love but I mean it. God is love. Love cannot be an emotion because it is a Spirit; love can be felt, love can be expressed but love must always be in harmony with God because they are one in the same.
This has freed me tonight. To know that the lessons I’ve been taught, emotions I’ve felt and feelings I’ve harbored aren’t love at all if the Lord was not the center. Thus meaning I am free to take a new look at love with fresh eyes as the scales have been removed.
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”
1 John 4:9
We can see some expressions, or attributes, of love that can help us be discerning. God’s love was manifested, this means that He displayed love. If someone is withholding displaying their love for you, it is not pure. He also gave of His prized possession. Love is self-sacrificial, love gives (and dare I say, love gives of value; every sacrifice, every gift does not hold equal weight to the giver).
How does this set the stage for a better life? By reconstructing and reanalyzing our definition of love, we can begin to love others purely and reject that which is merely only a fabrication. In romantic and platonic relationships, it is not love unless it is rooted and congruent with the character of God.
Happy (belated) Valentines Day and may true love dwell in your heart.