“A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34”

Oh, Valentine’s Day…if you are a true romantic, this day may conjure elaborate fantasies of perfect moments in time that make our hearts soar.  If you are a realist, you may consider thoughtfully and logically what you need to have marked off the list: card (check), flowers (check), dishes done (check), a little twinkle in my eye…still working on that…I wonder if they have twinkles at Costco…I could use a family size of that!

No one can deny that Valentines has a little something to do with LOVE. I wonder, do we even realize how loved we are?  I mean, God loves us so much that He gave His only Son. Only Son!  As a mom, I know I would lay down my own life to protect my children, so it would be like me giving the seal of approval to torture and murder my child. That is beyond my understanding, reasoning, or ability.  That is a serious, real, perfect love that He is talking about.  In John 13:34, He tells us to love one another as He has loved us.  WOW!  That is a major deal.  Now He doesn’t ask us, He tells us. He states in this verse, “As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another.”  Must love like He loves?  Whoa! That is a tough order. How do I do that?

His word provides guidance in how we MUST love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8b describes how to love:

“Love is patient, love is kind. 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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Are we loving like that?  Are we demonstrating to our partner, our family, our friends, and our community God’s love through us?  Are we accepting of His great love for us?

Well, I am humbled, because I can honestly say, it would be impossible for me to love like that ALL the time.  But I can TRY with the help for God. And as I focus on loving like He does, I may find the Holy Spirit provides me whatever I need.  I may find my relationships become more enjoyable, more passionate, and may even create an inner joy that is uncontainable. So…why did God say we MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  We MUST because when we do, we have the opportunity to experience how much He loves us…and it is AWESOME!  No wonder 1 Corinthians 13 begins with “and now I will show you the most excellent way!”  He has shown us…now, what will we do with this opportunity that we every day? 

Okay, so maybe I am a little passionate about love, marriage and healthy relationships. Yes, the Lord has provided me a passion for relationships. So it isn’t surprising when the Holy Spirit led me to my current career choice, a Marriage and Family Therapist. Thank you, Lord!

May your love for one another be passionate and blessed this Valentine’s Day! And know that whatever your circumstance is in love, the Lord provides great opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in His blessings. Yes, it starts with US, letting Him teach us, grow us and bless us as we follow His lead in LOVE! So, we are not alone in our struggles. Again, thank you, Lord!

It is my great honor to be a part of His ministry here at Community Lutheran and beyond. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.