True Love?

Certain holidays, like Valentine’s Day, bring joy to some and sorrow to others. Though the holiday has traditionally meant expressing love to those we hold dear, if you’re not in a relationship, the mushy romance displayed can be both irritating and heartbreaking. Marketers tell us it’s the best day of the year to show love in a tangible way. Hmmm. A billion-dollar industry, Valentine’s Day, instead, should emulate love in its truest form.

But what is love?

Love is difficult to define. We know it by feelings, by the actions of those around us, by the longevity of those who choose to be in our lives, and sometimes even by the actions we refuse to tolerate in others—tough love. And sometimes we know it by its lack—between relationships, waiting for the “right one” to enter our lives.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Wow. Can you think of another love equal to this expression by the Apostle Paul?

To say Paul’s life was difficult as a follower of Jesus is an understatement. Some of his persecution is recorded in 2 Corinthians 11. Yet, he never whined about his hardships, nor did he blame them on God. Instead, he embraced the idea of hardships as necessary to a Christian’s life. James continued this theme in his ministry. In doing so, their lives embodied the idea that, in spite of our trials, God is still present.

So then, how can Paul—despite his willingness to endure hardships and concede God’s presence in them—take it a step further and equate the totality of his life with God’s love? There’s only one logical answer.

It’s a love that never separates. How could love be defined any better? There’s not a human equation that even comes close.

No matter what unknown tomorrow brings, God’s love will be present. I don’t know about you, but that’s a tremendous comfort to me.

Reflection: Being alone during any holiday is tough, but especially on Valentine’s Day. You may have experienced this and prayed for someone special to spend your life with. Yet, how does God’s love manifest itself in your life? Is there a way for you to show it in a tangible way to others in your community—either through volunteering your time or resources? Spend some time in prayer asking God to show you how His love can flow through you and into others. While you’re doing this, you might discover that soulmate you’ve been praying for. 

If you'd like prayer, please leave a comment or email me confidential requests. I'd love to pray for your needs. 

God bless,

Laura

This post is a selection from my new devotional, While I'm Waiting, available for 99 cents on Amazon.com. This devotional offers encouragement to those waiting for an answer to prayer. 

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“Hearts Background” image courtesy of Feelart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

“Love Puzzle on Laptop” image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.