Truth is, I have been wrong about love.
So, writing about love during the month when love is celebrated gave me great pause. Seriously, what do I know about love? So I began to recall the times I thought I felt loved. I thought about The Intellect in college who gave me books instead of roses. No, he loved me not. Maybe, it was The Artist in high school who sketched himself as my charming prince. No, he loved not. You see, unrequited love seemed to be a chorus in a sad song.
Now, no need to break out any tissues because I am indeed written in a “Happily Ever After” kind of love story.
As I am writing this, I remembered the first love song. I’m standing in flower-printed dress, white patent leathered shoes, dress socks with lace fringe in the children’s choir, singing loudly “Jesus loves me, this I know…”
You see, before chocolate became the currency for affection, Jesus loved me. Before I eagerly waited for a Hallmark to express endearing sentiments, Jesus loved me. Before precious stones represented the sincerity of care, Jesus loved me.
How did I know? The verse continues “…for the Bible tells me so.”
As a child I confidently believed that I was loved. Yet I grew up and misdirected the object of my love and began seeking love apart of God. This, I know, was not love. I was searching for unconditional love; yet He was never lost. Too often we try to buy acceptance, when Christ paid our debt on the Cross.
“For God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16
Now, as an adult you must filter through much life, heartbreak, and experiences in order to get to the simple truth of knowing you are loved. In all of the fanfare of Valentine’s Day, it is easy to become overwhelmed with symbols of love and affection. It is easy to become disappointed when worldly expectations of love are not met. I can’t deny being a recipient of such sentiments is desired. You’re right; I could never turn down anything covered with chocolate.
However, I am encouraged that the love of God is incomparable to anything that I have known. He continues to demonstrate His love for me and that makes every day a special occasion. So, when I begin to struggle with loneliness in a city without family, still Jesus loves me. When my best friend tells me she and her husband are expecting baby #3, Jesus loves me. When I see another couple on Facebook, Jesus loves me.
I have found that it is never an issue of God loving me. Rather it is me taking focus from myself and recognizing HOW God is loving me in that very moment. So during this month of love, rejoice in seeing how God demonstrates His love all around and let it be a catalyst to love on others.
For The Bible Tells Me So…..
Loves me on purpose—Romans 8:28-30, Jeremiah 29:11
Loves me unconditionally—Romans 5:8
Loves me with purpose—John15:16
Loves me irrevocably—Romans 8:38-39
Loves me everlastingly—Jeremiah 31:3
