February brings thoughts of love to mind for most people. This year, we would like to challenge you to look at it from a different perspective. Instead of traditional ‘couples’ love, let's consider Agape love. This is Godly love. It’s perfect and unconditional among other things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us what Godly love looks like. It is patient, kind, not envious, not proud or arrogant, doesn’t act unbecomingly, doesn’t seek its own, is not easily provoked, doesn’t count wrongs suffered, rejoices in truth and righteousness, bears all things, believes all things, endures and hopes for all things. Christ is the ultimate display of Godly love in action.
Let's use this standard to measure how we are loving others and how they are loving us. Kindness and patience are displayed when we are gentle, caring, and not rushing. To act humbly and speak words of encouragement that build others up is love in action. When we forgive and walk in peace we are modeling Godly love. As we persevere and bear each other's struggles we exhibit agape love.
As you ponder the “Love Month”, remember, Christ is the truest Valentine we’ll ever have and agape love is what our world needs most.
