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happy valentine's day


One of the greatest days of the year for those of us who are in relationships.  But it is also a day of pain for those who wish to be in a relationship.  Therefore, I take some time to do a couple different things on this special day.  I want to share about God’s love and as well how to be the best we can be in our relationships.

This Sunday we continue our series called GREAT MARRAIGES at The Community.  We will talk about being a conduit of God’s love and of His peace.  That is a choice we make in dealing with people.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  NLT
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

The way that we love people demonstrates what we believe about love.  Is loved based on selfish motives or on giving and sharing with others in spite of what we will get in return.  True love has marks of unconditional love.  Unconditional means that we love not based on conditions.

Notice the words that stick out in these verses about love:

PATIENT --- one of my least favorite things is patience.  I don’t have much patience, and I will not ask God to give me some.  Yet I have learned through the four decades I have lived that waiting is not always a bad thing.  Being patient with the people we care about is one true mark of love.

KIND --- the opposite of kindness is meanness.  If you are like me, when we are tired or stressed, it is easy to mean.  When we are kind to other people, we demonstrating what God is like.  He gives when others don't deserve.  That is kindness in action.

KEEPS NO RECORD OF BEING WRONGED --- forgiving is one thing but setting aside the memory or the retribution of something is even greater than the act of forgiveness.  It is easy to hold something against another person and become bitter.  It is like God when we let things go and live at a higher level because of wanting to show and give God’s love.

NEVER GIVES UP --- here you find second chances.  Had a guy in my office this week that talked about third and fourth chances.  They are a big deal.  When you love like God does, you don't give up on people you care about. 

HOPEFUL and ENDURES --- enduring things is tough.  Offering hope and being hopeful is a choice.  Our actions and our words should breed hope in the lives of the people around us.  When we live by hope, others will begin to believe in God, in themselves and to have the hope of God.

I take this opportunity to tell you about my valentine.  Her name is Julie, and this will be our 21st valentine’s day together.  She is strong when I am weak.  She puts up with me when I am not patient or lack kindness.  Julie also extends the truth and love of God to me in awesome ways.  I am honored to have her in my life.  Thank you for being my valentine, Julie!

Psalm 13:5  NLT
But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

Colossians 3:12  NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Romans 12:10  NLT
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
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