It's A Love Thing

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1, New King James Version).

Valentines Day 2012 is upon us. Candy and flowers, jewelry and cards line the aisles of local stores. TV commercials bid us warning that if we guys forget to express our love and appreciation to our gals we will end up bunking with the hound. In reality we should express our love and appreciation for them everyday, not just on February 14th.

When I read this verse I take it as saying; I may use eloquent speech so pleasing to the ears that one will think an angel is speaking to them, but if Christ does not dwell in my heart then the best intended words will be just that; words. You do know that is what Paul means, right? Having Christ in our hearts? The word he used for love is agape in Greek. That specific word describes Gods love. The same word that Jesus used in John 3:16. The same word He used when He said, “I want You to love them just as You love Me, and in order to accomplish it, I will be in them.” My own translation of St. John 17:26. We use the English word “love” loosely. I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and oh yes; fried chicken! I love my wife and kids too. The word sounds the same when it leaves my lips but in my heart it carries more weight for my wife and kids. If I did not have Christ in my heart to back up my declaration of love for them my words would not carry the same weight. After all I loved my job with my former employer; but I left it. I loved the folk I worked with; but I left them. My mom and dad loved me; but they died and left me. The point here is this: the best love I have for them will never match the love that Christ has for them. My love is temporary because it is human and humans change and die. Gods love never changes and it never dies. Jesus has always been the same and always will be.

So guys let your sweetie know that you love her. Gals, you do the same thing. Because God started this “love thing” and poured Himself into it to the extent that He allowed His heart to be pierced by a spear on a Roman Cross that He may gain yours.