For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved John 3:16-17 (NKJV)
We are approaching Valentine’s Day- a day set aside to celebrate love in relationships. Of course, the culture has marketed this day over the decades into opportunities for purchasing cards, flowers, dinners and other gifts. Nothing wrong with marketing, and I want our retailers, restaurants and small businesses to prosper. However, like anything else, the activities around the event have come to define it imprecisely.
The idea of loving relationships is easily confused by external events which, while associated, do not define what love really is. For example, I have put together a little chart which differentiates God’s plan for love and the world’s ideas of love.
God’s Plan World’s Ideas
Love is a decision which leads to joy Love is an excitement of romantic feelings/chemistry
Love is not withdrawn for certain behaviors Love is based on behavior (quid pro quo)
Love is Safe/Secure Always on the line (can “fall in or fall out”)
Love seeks to build up the other Self- gratifying (are my needs being met?)
These are just a few observations, and perhaps in a way a bit overdrawn. Yet, the point is that God’s love, and the kind of love he wants us to share, does not always line up with popular culture.
Here’s hoping that your Valentine’s Day is filled with the love of God!
Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving the greatest examples of loving us, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 