Expressions of Love

The reds and greens of Christmas have been exchanged with pinks and reds in preparation for Valentine’s Day.  There are notices in the stores, on television, in newspapers and magazines, along with cards and gifts on display, to remind us of the upcoming special day.  Valentine’s Day offers numerous opportunities to express love.  Flowers will be delivered, gifts and cards given, words communicated in writing and/or verbally, and time spent with loved ones. 

Bible Gateway documents that love is mentioned in 686 scriptures in the NIV Bible.  Apparently that is a message that God wants us to make a priority, take to heart, and share with others. 

I Corinthians 13:4-7 states that:

* Love is patient

* Love is kind

* Love does not envy

* Love does not boast

* Love is not proud

* Love does not dishonor others

* Love is not self-seeking

* Love is not easily angered

* Love keeps no records of wrongs

* Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth

* Love always protects

* Love always trusts

* Love always hopes

* Love always perseveres

A poster I saw this week was a reminder that expressions of love sometimes take additional effort, energy, observation, and diligence.

The first Bible verse I remember memorizing as a child was, “God is love.”  (I John 4:8b)  It is also one of the first verses we taught our boys.  When we know and experience God’s love, it’s our mandate, responsibility, and privilege to share it with others, no matter what day of the year it is.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:9-10

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 3:23

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11

And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

1 John 4:21

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

2 John 1:6