by Kala Loptien

He Loved First

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

Love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 1 Cor. 13: 4-7 ESV

It’s Valentine’s Day — a sweet day to express intentional sentiments to those we love. The world has gone out of its way to attempt to define, redefine and determine what love is. For the world, it’s an ever-evolving, complicated mystery. For those who’ve had their hearts drawn and transformed by Christ, it’s clear.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 ESV

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

There it is right there, as uncomplicated and direct as it gets: God is love. He created the word, and He defined the word. He showed His deep love for us by sending His son. He continues to show up and fill our hearts through the spirit. Even more, we are blessed by the great cloud of witnesses before us and around us. We see Him work in and through the lives of His people.

And what is expected of us? That’s made very clear as well. We are to love God with all our heart, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Not just those closest to us. This is a call and responsibility to reflect the love of Christ and to align our hearts with His. One of my favorite songs by Casting Crowns has a beautiful request: “Break our hearts for what breaks yours.” Let’s show the world what love looks like. Happy Valentine’s Day.