After watching Mary J. Blige’s halftime performance during the Superbowl, I was reminded of the many songs I liked by the artist. One song I sang often was Real Love. I can recall singing this song as if I was performing on a stage, truly not knowing then what real love was (LOL).
Today we celebrate Valentine's Day, a holiday where we express our love and affection to others. 1 John 4:19 NLT reads - We love each other because He loved us first.
Love is unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the well-being of another. Love is known only from the actions it prompts. God demonstrated His love for us by sending His son Jesus Christ so that we can have eternal life. To walk in love with others, we must truly understand how much the Father loves us.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
God is love (1 John 4:8)! Because God is love, we can reread 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and grasp God’s love displayed toward us.
God is patient and kind
God is not jealous, boastful, or proud
God does not demand His own way
God is not irritable
God keeps no record of being wronged
Etc.
When we received Christ, God’s love was poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Understanding and accepting God’s love enables us to authentically demonstrate that love to others.
True acceptance and understanding of God’s love allow us to:
Not withhold love when we have been done wrong
Demonstrate love to others even if we have not received love from them
Be free from the worry of hurt because we express love that may not be reciprocated
Remember, God’s love toward you is not based on your behavior. Romans 5:8 AMPC reads: But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.
So, receive and accept Christ’s love for you so that you can genuinely display that love to others. When we allow the expression of God (love) to be visible in our lives, others can experience God here are on earth and be changed by His presence and power.
Prayer for the Journey
Thank you, Lord, for your Son Jesus. He is the evidence of your love towards me. Jesus’ life and sacrifice are the confirmation that I don’t have to do anything to deserve your love. You sent Jesus to save me from death and resurrect me to a new life. I know I do not deserve this love but I receive it. Help me to truly take hold of your love for me so that I can love others. Help me not to withhold love in fear of being disappointed or hurt. I submit my life into your hands. I yield to being a conduit of your love.
In Jesus name, Amen!
God has a plan for your life! The 2022 Devotional Planner for women is designed to help encourage you on the journey of pursuing all God has called for you to do. This easy-to-use 14-month devotional planner will help you remain focused on Christ while following God’s plan for your life.