What is the favorite word used on Valentine’s Day? Usually, the number one word is love. Then following is… candy, hearts, cards, flowers, chocolates, more candy, and much more chocolate. It seems that love is something you experience but cannot explain. There is not just one definition as each person expresses what he personally experiences. I have found there are at least 25 different kinds of love. Love is more than just a score in tennis. You can love your… self, mate, children, grandchildren and friends (phileo). You can love each one with a different love and in a different way. You will never love other children as you love your own children.
So what is love? Some guys say, “I love pizza, football, my dog, my wife and it does not have to be in that order.” Dennis the Menace said, “I love her she smells like peanut butter.” Some say love makes you lightheaded with a tingling feeling, Well, so does the flu. The Bible says, “What manner (kind) of love ..” (I John 3:1). God does not love (agape) you for what you do, but He loves you because of Who He is. His love is unconditional. As a child of God, there is not one thing you can do to make God love you more or make God love you less. God loves you because God is Love (I John 4:8).
Here is an outline I preached at a Valentine Banquet: Love Knows (John 13:35). Love Shows (I John 3:18). Love Glows (Matt.5:16). Love Grows (2 Cor. 5:17). Love Goes (Mark 16:15). Love Flows (Phil. 1:5). Love Owes (John 15:13). Some want you to prove your love (eros) with things, but the best things in life are not things, but people. Don’t love things, love people. You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. “For God so love the world that he gave…”
A Scotsman said, “Love is better felt than telt.” Love is seeking to please the other person. Love is doing right. Love attacks the problem not the person. Love is a choice. Love never fails. Love endures. Love sacrifices. Love forgives. Love loves. There is no substitute for love. Love and smiles are understood in all languages. The Lord said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Some people say “I love you,” with their lips, but it does not show in their lives. The greatest Valentine’s gift you can give is your love. Everyone loves to be loved -even you. Also this Valentine’s Day remember that God loves you, you, you, you, and even you.
Loving Moments become Lasting Memories – TC
