today I want to divert from "Hungry Prayers"...]
Real Love
Today is Valentine's day.While for some it is an opportunity to celebrate romantic love, for many it is a painful day.
It's painful:
- for teens when the "popular" kids get celebrated and many feel overlooked
- for the lonely who have not found the "soulmate" so often romantically idealised on this day
- for those who have experienced or are experiencing the breakup and failure of a romantic relationship or marriage.
- for those whose "valentine" has passed away
The big truth is that romantic love, the love of a parent for a child, the love of a devoted friend, the beautiful warmth of family and community and even the love we have for our pets are the overflow a Much Greater Love - The Love God has for us. The Love demonstrated in the giving of His Son.
Take a moment to bask in that love...
...because it is the Love from which all other love must flow.
If you found yourself in one of the painful categories I mentioned above, then remember this: You are totally and beautifully loved by the Majestic King of the Universe! Take time to celebrate the other loves that also flow from this love and recognise that family, friendship and community are also outflows of this Great Love.
If you are blessed to enjoy the romantic love of another person, take a moment to give thanks and then re-commit to love them, not only romantically but with the Love of God.If you know someone who is in one of those painful places today, why not reach out? You don't have to talk about Valentine's day or do anything "cheesy" - just express God's beautiful love to them.
After all, we are much loved indeed!
| For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John3:16) |
