How much do I love....???? I can finish that sentence in so many ways...How much do I love my husband? Tons. How much do I love my kids? They are my life. How much do I love my work? It's great!
So there. I have answered the easy questions. Ask yourself those same questions, and I would be willing to bet that most of us, under good conditions, would answer in a similar respect. And we should love those things. We have chosen most of the main paths our life has taken. If you don't have positive answers, then maybe it is time for some detailed mental examination of your own feelings, thoughts, and motives and some serious change.
Here is a question that I find a bit more difficult to answer. How much do I love God? On first introspection, I would have to say that He is everything to me. He is my Creator, my Redeemer, the Mover and Shaker of my life. He is my personal spiritual guide. He is the Giver of All Good Things. He is the Door to eternity. He is my Light of the world. He is the great I AM. He is my Shepherd...
Whoa! Wait a minute! I was thinking about how much I love God. But it seems like all my answers point instead to a different query: "How much does God love me?" We are blessed. For God's love for us is unceasing, unchanging, constant. There is no better love, there is no better place to be accepted as you are, than in God's presence.
So back to the question of my love for HIM? I do love him. But really, how can I love him enough? I try to do nice things, I work at raising my children well, I try to love others, I pray daily. But this all sounds so lame, doesn't it? My meager offerings to Him are embarrassing at best, shamefully sinful and half-hearted most of the time. And sometimes, in anger or disappointment, I even forget to honor Him. How much do I love God? The best that I can, and surely, not enough.
So here is some food for thought. While the love I give to Him can never be abundant and generous enough, He loves me enough for both of us. God is the great lover of ALL his children. He loves you too, no matter what. Why else would he have sent his only Son to pay the price for your sins, and mine? Now
THAT is great love. It is hard to comprehend, but it is true. Through Him, with Him and in Him,our sin is cleaned and our love is pure.
So with Valentines day right around the corner, I am going to concentrate on how I can pass on the love that God has shared with me. I
should be joyful in His love. I know he wants me to share His good news. Just think how a kind word or gesture done in His name can brighten a friends day. Or better yet, why not really rise to the challenge, and brighten the day of someone that is not well-loved by others. That is a true test.
Below are a few of His thoughts on love. Real love. Love that is extraordinary and priceless. Love that gives value to our time here on earth. The challenge for me is to look at Valentine's Day as a unique opportunity to "love one another". I challenge you, also, to put a new spin on the day that celebrates love...
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love.
John 13:34
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
