Happy Valentine’s Day

Is it possible to define the love of God? The best “definition” of God’s love is found in “The Love Chapter.” It is read at many weddings, but I believe it best describes God’s love in words we can grasp. As you read, I encourage you to follow along in your Bible in 1 Corinthians 13.

God’s love is patient and kind (v. 4). Romans 2:4 tells us that “the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience…leads you toward repentance.”

God’s love is not boastful or proud (v. 4), but is best shown in the humility of Christ – Philippians 2:7 & 8 says “He made Himself nothing…He humbled Himself and became obedient to death on a cross.”

God’s love is gracious (being not rude), and certainly not self-seeking (v. 5), as Christ graciously sought to save you and me at the cost of His own life.

God’s love is not easily angered (v. 5), as He declared to Moses: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Oh, how glad I am that God “keeps no record of wrong” (v. 5). The blood of Jesus wipes away our sins and we stand before God cleared, declared innocent – forgiven.

God is perfect holiness and there is no evil in Him (v. 6), and so we know that we can trust Him to always act from His loving and good nature.

God is truth (v. 6). Hebrews 6:18 says “it is impossible for God to lie.”  When the Bible says God loves you, you can know without a shadow of a doubt that it is true.

God’s love protects us (v. 7) – after all He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14), and we are His sheep, and the shepherd’s first priority is the safety and security of His flock.

God’s love is trustworthy (v. 7), we can relax our anxious hearts and minds knowing that He is always for us, always working for good in our lives, always aware of every need and situation we face, and always prepared with the best solution.

God’s love gives us hope (v. 7) – anticipation and expectation that He will fulfill every promise He has ever made.

God’s love perseveres with us (v. 7).  I am so grateful that God has never given up on me, and never will.

And finally, God’s love will never fail (v. 8).  Because God will never fail.  “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, now any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).

Did you realize that you, Beloved, are God’s Valentine?

Beth Andrews | February 14, 2021 at 7:00 am | Tags: 1 Corinthians 13, God loves you, God’s love, Love, The Love Chapter, Valentine’s Day | Categories: Bible, Bible study, encouragement, God, Jesus, Love, truth, Uncategorized | URL: https://wp.me/p3jdOZ-GB