Scripture Reference: John 15:9-13
In the 21st century, we see things that affect our lives changing rapidly. Life around us seems to be unpredictable and questions the very essence of do we truly matter to anyone; does anyone truly loves us or even know what the meaning of love is. I remember years ago a song that the Hickam Air Force Gospel Choir sang called “What Love”. The lyrics expressed the “Greater Love” of God in Christ Jesus that has been given to us.
Valentine’s Day is a once a year universal celebration where “love birds” share their intimate thoughts of their hearts through acts of love: such as candy and card giving; romantic candlelight dinners; expressing their love in action. It’s beautiful to see humanity demonstrating the existence of love, even if it’s once year and has been over commercialized.
God’s love is a “Greater Love” which flows and goes beyond time, beyond emotions, and beyond the world as we know it. His love and joy for us are perfect. It surpasses our understanding, yet He has filled us with His love and the capacity to love others as He has loved us. To “Love” is not an option or choice for the Disciples of Christ; it’s a commandment from Christ. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for His friends” (John 15:13). Did you catch the revelation in His words? He called us friends, Jesus declared a friendship relationship between Himself and us; and this was before the finish work on the Cross. In meditating on this new concept of a “Greater Love”, could it be possible that Christ expects us to love others and especially the saints of God before and during His work of transformation in their lives. This is truly “Greater Love” that is unconditional with the purposes of God in action for His family.
Oh God, may we learn how to surrender to Your “Greater Love” and receive the fullness of who you are. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us”, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6). God Himself, stepped into our humanity with His Great Love, so that He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I receive Your “Greater Love” in Christ as a living action and Your call to love others. Your love goes beyond life’s mountains, valleys, and deep rivers. Thank You for loving me so richly and positioning me in Christ Jesus to do all things according to Your purposes and plans. In Jesus Name. Amen.