CELEBRATE LOVE?

Baca: 1 John 4:7-21

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

---

Bacaan tahunan: Leviticus 5-7

U.S. greeting card association estimates that one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide. Christmas just match it. Did you know that February 14 is already removed from the ecclesiastical calendar? This is because the historical background is very doubtful. Possibility is related to the celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival ritual honor the gods and lottery partner of the opposite sex. The identity of the St. Valentinus was the name used for the celebration is also less clear. Father of Rome, the bishop of Terni, or the martyr in Africa? February 14th is the date of their deaths as martyrs. Away from the connotation of romantic love.

Frenzied celebration may actually make you more superficially understood. In fact, love is essential to Christian faith. Word of the Lord put it succinctly and clearly: God is love, love comes from God (verses 7-8). So, for the children of God, love should be the family identity. From reading the Bible today we find that you are commanded, exemplified, perfected by God for us (verses 11, 17). Love is made possible through the experience we receive the love of God (verses 10, 19) and grown through the knowledge of Him (verses 16-18).

Christianity without love is a nonsense. Today, ask God to search our hearts: What about my love for God? To others? The world needs and awaits the children of God reflects and tells of His glorious love. Our growth in love is a sign that we live in God. - JOO

---

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3)

---

• « Sebelumnya
 
• Sesudahnya »