Looking For Love

In 1982 I was introduced to a certain young man by my college roommate and though there were no “fireworks” in that first meeting, my heart warmed to his pursuits over time. With each phone call or letter received (we did not have text messaging then:-), God began to give me new eyes to see this man and eventually, a small spark was fanned into a large flame. Love! Not long after came a ring, a wedding, a new life, and a new family. My husband and I have been one of the lucky ones. With 33 years under our belt and still traveling life together, we prepare to celebrate another Valentines Day, a time to give tribute to a love that has stood the test of many struggles and heartaches.

You see, all of the love that we experience with each other as humans is always flawed in some way. These flaws are what lead to breakups and divorce, they lead to hurtful comments and cross behavior and a diminished, if not a loss, of love for each other. However, do you want to know something truly awesome? These flaws are not present in God’s love for us!! His love is perfect and it remains so forever! He has lavished his love on us and he promises to NEVER remove it. Nothing can separate us from His love! Romans 8:38 say’s “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.” Come on, let me hear you say it! NOTHING!!! God’s profound love for his people is what the Bible is all about. From page one to the ending period of the last page, God shows us what true love looks like. When we make a mistake in life, even a big one, our “human” partner will most likely become angry, maybe lash out or even walk out, but not God. In God’s love, you will find compassion, patience and strong arms that will hold you until you can stop crying. In God’s love, you will find words of encouragement and scared hands that will lift you back up to stand. He will lift your face toward His and tell you that He forgives you and that He still loves you. As the song by Matthew West goes, “Even when everyone else walks away, He is the God who stays.”

Are you looking for love in all the wrong places? Have you experienced the flawed love of humanity? Does the idea of a love that is faithful and that endures forever sound good to you right now? Then why not try it? Jesus says to each of us, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” The door that Jesus speaks of is the door to your heart. The love that God lavishes on us through His Son, Jesus is described in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It ALWAYS protects, ALWAYS trusts, ALWAYS hopes, ALWAYS perseveres. Love NEVER fails.” (all caps are mine). Can you say this about the love that you have experienced with another person? Today is the perfect day to say “yes” to the lover of your heart and soul, Jesus. Open the door and invite Him in. He is waiting with open arms!