1 John 4:19 - "We love because He first loved us."
Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide as a day of love. While chocolates and flowers are exchanged, it's essential to reflect on the foundational love that set the template for every other love we experience. Just as a chef has a special dish that's dear to their heart, the love God has for us is His unparalleled, heart-crafted dish.
God's love isn't just an emotion; it's an action, demonstrated most profoundly in the sacrifice of Christ. This selfless act of love is our template, our guideline, setting a standard of love that seeks not its own but the well-being of others. John succinctly encapsulates the essence of our capacity to love, tracing it back to its divine origin. We can love genuinely, deeply, and selflessly because we have been recipients of such love.
On this day of love, while it's delightful to celebrate human relationships, it's also a poignant moment to realign our hearts with the foundational love of God. To remember that the love we extend to others, the love we crave, and the love we celebrate all find their origin in Him.
This divine love is not just for a chosen few. It's available, waiting for all to partake. As we navigate our earthly relationships, let us do so with the understanding that the best, most fulfilling love is rooted in the divine, reflecting God's heart in every gesture, word, and deed.
Reflection Questions:
1. How has understanding God's love for me influenced the way I love others?
2. What steps can I take to ensure that God's love remains central in my relationships?
Morning Prayer:
Lord of Love, on this special day, I'm reminded of Your unparalleled love for me. Help me to embrace and reflect this love in all my relationships, ensuring that Your love remains the gold standard in my life. Amen.