the Love that sustains all love

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day...a wonderful time to reflect on all the love we receive from people in our lives, and to thank them for just that.  I have been forming a theology of love in the last few years.  In 1 John 4:8, God is identified as love:

{Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.}

So I began to think about how people tell each other that they love each other...but can those who do not know God really love?  Then there is the scripture in 1 Corinthians 13, that I adore.  The love chapter concludes with:

{Love never fails.}

Those who have experienced the harsh reality of loveless relationships think this scripture is not true.  But what if they never understood that it means, "God never fails."  And the love that only He provides will never fail.

This Valentine's, I reflect on the love that God has provided me to share with others.  This is through His Holy Spirit, who lives within me and breaths the breath of life through my words and actions.  This provides a way for me to check myself.  Am I being selfish?...then I'm not allowing God's love to be reflected.  Am I being petty?...then I am choosing to love with "Emily love", rather than God's love.

This is a great concept, but most of us can't understand God's love because we don't understand how He can love us so greatly.  During this month o' love, I encourage you to check out Brennan Manning's Abba's Child.  

Manning always does such a beautiful job describing God's undying love for His children.  Treat yourself with a few moments of basking in the love and grace God wants to bestow upon you daily.

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth