Love

I have always loved holidays, even more so since I have had children.  I remember when they were babies, stamping their sweet baby feet in red ink and sending Valentine cards to doting grandparents or sweet aunts and uncles.  Today, my older babies (7 and 5) made valentines for church friends and neighbor girls.  As I watched their still chubby hands signing their names I was reminded of the essence of love.  Love is something that is given.  Without restraint.  Free.  Pure.  Holy.

There is sweetness in love because, "God is Love."  He is the author, keeper, and definer of love.  And no love has been shown more purely than in the sacrifice of the Son. 

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. . ."  and He did.  He laid it down, gave all, sacrificed beyond belief for us, his friends.  His created, dearly loved, stubborn, sin stained children.  The essence of love is found in Jesus.

Later on we are told, "dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."  I John 4:11
Love one another. 
Practice kindness. 
In word or deed or thought - love.
Take a meal to the new baby family.  Call your mom about her doctor's appointment.  Write a letter of encouragement to a hurting friend.  Send a valentine :)  Love the little ones around you - serve them their meals joyfully.  Love your spouse with listening ears or a soft kiss.  Simply love.

"If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."  I John 4:12
We are fleshing out the Gospel when we love. 
When we love, God lives in us. 
To love is to live.  To love is to know God.  To love is to obey. 
We are able to share in this great gift when we lay down our lives to give love.  We can be a part of this amazing grace story.  Invisible God is seen through our actions.  The hidden holy one is glimpsed by the lost and hurting world when we choose to  love.

So, live His love today.  Take this moment to know the heart of God and simply love.