I figured that I will post a devotional that I wrote for
Valentine’s Day last year. I hope you enjoy.
“No Flowers, No Chocolates”
Paul wrote, "I pray that you
may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and
length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses
knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
-Ephesians
3:18-19 (NRSV)
LOVE changes us. We can spot those who
have begun a new romance by their smiles, their increased energy, and the way
they talk constantly about the new love in their lives. But later in our
romantic relationships, we become comfortable in it. I think of that stage of
the relationship is real love. That is when we take care of each other when we
are sick and we are comfortable with each other sitting around the house in
pajamas doing nothing. And when we are together longer, we know what each other
want without words; for example, an elder couple sits at a kitchen table eating
breakfast and they pour milk & juice for each other. In this stage of “true love”, we don’t need
any flowers or a box of chocolates; we just need to feel loved.
On
the spiritual level, Paul realized the power of loving and being loved. If we
understand the width, length, height, and depth of God's love for us, there is
nothing we cannot do. We show our love for others in many ways, some small and
some more important. But God didn't show us love by giving us a bunch of
flowers or a box of chocolates; God showed us love by giving us Jesus Christ to
die on a cross. That's how much God loves us. When our roots sink into this
love, we are strengthened and God's love shows in our actions. We are changed.
Prayer Lord,
help us to feel the wonder and depth of your love. Then help us to love everyone
we meet as much as you love us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thought of the
Month: When all else fails, the love of God goes on.
Prayer Focus: Those who feel unloved
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