God is Love

With Valentine’s Day just passing, the world is amidst its season of love. We express our love by becoming more involved in gift giving and acts of service. Although these actions are not inherently bad, society uses these deeds to measure who receives the “best” love: who got the biggest teddy bear, the biggest bouquet, the biggest bag, etc. Rather than using the world’s temporary tactics to compensate for the lack of appreciation shown throughout the rest of the year, we should love each other daily and find that love in the One who is love … God.

Unfortunately, especially with our generation today, love has been distorted into something it’s not. Toxic relationships have become romanticized; “He calls me a ____… but he loves me!” “He only wants to meet me at night… but he’s just busy!” “She’s always asking me for bigger gifts than I can afford… but that’s just my baby.” We must open our eyes and realize that this is not real love. Do not put in efforts and date someone who isn’t good for you simply because you are afraid of being lonely. Trust the Lord, His process, and His timing. Verse 8:13 in the book of Corinthians tells us that “Love never fails!” So if it fails, if it’s confusing, if it is unclear, it is not love. Do not allow the enemy to fool you into thinking a person truly loves you after time and time again of failing. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-6 says “It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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.” Now replace all the Its with someone’s name. Does it apply?

1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us that Love is patient, love is kind.

God has shown the world patience for decades and decades. Think back to Moses’ time, where God brought the Israelites out of their suffering in Egypt. You would think they would have followed God and His commands, but the Israelites always found a way to disobey and dishonor the Lord. Their actions ranged from making idols to complaining, as they were always unsatisfied and wanting more from the Lord. Yet, God never limited His patience and kindness towards them. Had it been any of us, we would have abandoned the Israelites and never delivered them to the Promised Land. But our God is better than that. His love lasts for eternity!

Continuing in the chapter, 1 Corinthians 13:7 says that love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Think about the times you have missed an opportunity, gotten rejected, or have been denied. It can be frustrating when we really want something, and God says no. Rather than wishing that the answer was yes, be thankful for what God’s “no” protected you from. A shift in perspective can help us be more trusting in our Lord and His plan for us. It brings hope. Many lose faith in love when they experience pain, betrayal, and have been hurt time and time again. Even when someone disappoints us, we should never give up on love. We hurt God every day. We betray Him every day. The World has shown God so much hate, yet He loves us just as much as He did when He first created our home.

When you think of what love is, think of God, because God is love. The beginning of 1 Corinthians gives clear details and examples that show we need love. Without love, we gain nothing. Without love, we are nothing. But when we have God, we have everything that we could possibly need.