A DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” ~ 1 John 3:1 

REFERENCE:

1 John 3:1-3

It’s Valentine’s Day! The world has set today aside to celebrate love, which means different things to different people. To some, it is a time to wait for someone to give to them; some ‘take advantage’ of those they claim to love, and several others will ‘break the bank’ to get a gift for their lovers. Does the world understand love as it should? Love in its pure form is the nature of God. Amazed at the nature of His love, John said, “What manner of love is this?” It is a different kind of love.

God’s love came to us when we were least deserving; when we knew nothing about God nor cared for Him, He demonstrated His love to us and adopted us as His children. God’s love is a different kind of love. The nature of God’s love is unconditional. It is love that loves without seeking anything in return; it does not first ask, “What will I get in return?” “Is this person deserving of it?” “How much should I do or give?” No, God loves because it is His nature to love. He cannot do otherwise.

As God’s children, we have the nature of God. Hence, we should love one another because we are born of God and know God. God’s love is not seeking to take advantage of another; it is not concerned about what it will get; it is not counting the cost of how much it should do, checking how the person treated you recently. God’s love is giving, forgiving, affirming, generous, gentle, reconciliatory, kind, etc. I am sure the world would also say, “What manner of love is this?” It is a different kind of love.

Let God’s love lead you in all your dealings with your loved ones. Put away abusive language, revenge, selfishness, or constantly trying to get your way. That is not the manner of God’s love. Forget about yourself a little and make that special person God has placed in your life feel special. Your fiancée, spouse, children, etc. Send a love note and a little gift to them today.

Ask yourself: ‘If Jesus was married to my spouse, how would He treat him/her?’ ‘If Jesus was the head of my organization, how would He relate with the staff?’ ‘If Jesus was involved in my business transactions, would He cheat the partners?’ ‘If Jesus was my head of department, how would He lead?’ etc. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another,” I John 4:11. So show God’s love to someone today so that they will see this is a different kind of love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

PHOTO QUOTE:

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

1 John 4:7-19 and Romans 13:8-10

 PRAYERS

 + Father, I release the fruit of God’s love within me by faith, and I declare that it will gain ascendency in my life & relationships.

 + I come against selfishness and everything that contradicts the nature of God’s love in my life.

 + I take a bold step and forgive all offenses and offenders today.