Weekly Devotionals – 14 February 2022

Happy Valentine’s day! There are varying accounts regarding the meaning and origins of Valentine’s Day. It’s a day oftentimes characterized by the affectionate giving of flowers and sweets to a special someone. What makes this celebration all the more special is the giving of a card or love letter to that special “Valentine”. This devotional is not looking to go into the details of its history but rather to focus on the ultimate message of Love that comes to us from God. It’s a message that needs to be heard and received as never before. The Bible is filled with many messages of His love for His people. Let’s examine some specific promises that will prove helpful to us in these challenging days.

1. God’s Love is Unconditional

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Have you ever felt like you have blown it and come to the place of believing that God could never forgive you because of your sin? It’s especially at such times when we need to receive God’s Unconditional Love into our lives. This was true in my own life. There was a season when I turned from God and reverted to my old sinful ways. It was at such a time when I experienced the love of God pouring into my life. I had no ability to love myself because of what I was doing but the Love of God just kept coming in continual waves. This moment was a turning point in my life. All I had to do was to receive His Love and ask for His help to live for Him. That prayer went forth 40 years ago and the Lord has shown Himself to be more than faithful. I know there are some reading this devotional who need to receive God’s Unconditional Letter of Love into your life. Remember, Christ died for all of mankind when they were yet in their sin. Who can measure such love? Choose to receive it today!

2. Stir and Rekindle the Love

My wife and I have fond memories of a simple event that occurred on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 1989. It’s amazing to think how a marriage can be strengthened when considering the power of a simple reflection. In our case it was our 1st kiss. This principle certainly applies in our relationship with God. Can you recall the love and joy that filled your being when Jesus first came into your life? The problem of our day is that we get so caught up in the here and now. This in turn robs us of the ability to reflect and meditate upon the “first love” encounters we once had with God. This was the problem of the Church of Ephesus. Jesus wrote a love letter through John warning them of the loss of their first love.

And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love (Revelation 2:3-4).

The Church of Ephesus did many wonderful works for the Lord however they had lost their first-love intimacy. In this season, it is vitally important to keep our Love for God alive and well.

3. Release the Love of God

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; (Jude 1:22).

In my early years as a Christian we would often sing a song entitled “I Will love you with the Love of the Lord”. While singing the song we would go around the room acknowledging one another in an atmosphere of Christian love. Can you imagine the difference that can be made when the people of God come to that place of loving others with His Love? That is what the Prophet Jude is stating in the above verse. The word “compassion” speaks of agape love. This means we can love people in the manner that God has loved us. Is it possible for the church of our day to come into such a relationship with God and others?

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day let us be reminded of God’s ultimate Love Letter to His people. First, we must be able to know and experience His Unconditional Love. Secondly, we need to respond to His Love and seek to keep the fire burning by not forgetting our first-love. Finally, we need to be channels of His Love to a lost and dying world. “Behold, what manner of Love the Father has bestowed upon us…”