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“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” ( 1 John 4:16, NIV).
Somehow, another season of sweetness has gone and passed. The Valentine’s goodies are marked down 50%, the candy shelves are empty, and Spring decorations fill shelves near and far. If you blink, you might not even know the holiday is here.
Our culture jumps from one season or holiday to the next without taking the time to truly celebrate or appreciate. Visit your local Hobby Lobby, and you’ll see what I mean (no shade, I love Hobby Lobby). Because after all the hearts and chocolates have barely arrived, it’s off to the races. And inside, we find ourselves asking: Why am I still empty inside? For a holiday full of “love,” why do I feel loveless?
Maybe today you’re feeling a little down…or let down. Maybe your Valentine’s Day didn’t go as planned, or all those things you envisioned never happened. Or, maybe you’re celebrating a love that does feel real, no matter the day. Regardless, let’s pause and think about a love that never fades.
In 1 John 4:16, we read that God is love. “Whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them” (NIV). Song of Songs 2:4 and Romans 8:38-39 describe God’s character in similar fashions: “Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love” (Song of Songs 2:4, NIV). “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor 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”(Romans 8:38-39, NIV). Why does all of this matter?
Because love that’s only celebrated on a holiday or contingent on circumstances or feelings, isn’t true love. Contrary to society, real love isn’t Valentine’s, candy, cards, roses, or mushy phrases. True and eternal love can only be experienced through knowing Jesus and having a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Love Himself is God. And God and His love are steady, unshakable, and personal. We learn to shift our focus from fleeting romantic gestures to eternal, soul-refreshing love.