Bible Study Corner:
Perfecting the Community one scripture at a time.
1 John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
What is Love?
This is the month of February. On the 14th of this month many will make a special effort to show their love for one another. Ahhh, love is in the air! Cubit has his arrow cocked and ready to shoot. Wedding vows will be renewed, marriages will commence, wedding engagements will occur, and restaurants will be full with couples, both old and new. Since the official color for Valentines Day is red, get your pupils ready for the annual fashion shock. Yes, I’m speaking of red outfits, red shoes, red accessories, and even red hair. Children will make and exchange Valentine cards and many will recieve candy they will never eat.
We all seem to think we know what love is and we each express it in our own way, but do we really know? What is love? I find it interesting that this four lettered word has many different meanings to many different people. So I decided to look it up on dictionary.com and this is what I found: Love means 1) a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. 2) a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend. 3) sexual passion or desire. 4) a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart. 5) used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like: Would you like to see a movie, love? 6) to have love or affection for: All her pupils love her.
There are also different words in the Greek language to express love. They are 1) agape’- the pure ideal type of love or Godly love. 2) Eros- passionate love with sensual desire and longing. 3) Philia- brotherly love or loyalty love. 4) Storge’- parental love. 5) Xenia- hospitality love or love of hosting. It is not surprising that love cannot not be explained with a single definition by mankind, but isn’t it good to know that God’s word is clear and simple. The Holy Bible says God is love. Now there are numerous examples of how God’s love is to be exhibited through us, but the plain truth is, there is only one true definition of love. Love is God because God is love.
Let's look at our scripture reference, I John 3:18. John reminds us that true love is not what we say, but what we do or how we exhibit our love. It is easy to say "I love you", without truly meaning it. It is unfortunate, but there are some that use those words to get what they want. Others use those words as a friendly gesture. Then there are those that truly mean what they say and their actions speak louder than their words. Christ proved His love for us when He left His heavenly home to prepare a way for our redemption. His actions spoke louder than the prophesied words. Time after time, Lord God Jehovah proved His love to the children of Isreal, as He continues to prove His love to us today. God is still healing our bodies, protecting our families, providing for us, and taking care of all of our needs because He loves us. Christ's greatest gift of love to us is His gift of salvation to all that will receive it. As God continues to show His love to us, we ought to continuously show our love to one another. I'm speaking of agape' and philia, the rest will fall into its proper place. If you love someone, it should be expressed at all times, not because of a man-made occassion.
Make everyday Valentines Day! Cherish the one you love, but always remember to love the One who first loved you and His name is Jesus!
I pray you have been blessed!
Your comments are appreciated. You may write Rev. Tess at revtessp@pcfgm.com