Valentine’s Day – a day focused on love. However, I don’t always feel very lovable, do you? I tend to focus on loving others in my style of relating. However loving myself can remain a puzzle. Paying attention to love from God can be even further away. As I pondered that idea of love from God, I got to wondering, “What does love from God look like?” If He sent a valentine, what would He say?
Paul, a missionary that traveled all around the Mediterranean in Roman times, wrote lots of letters to encourage others in growing their faith. In his letter to the Corinthians, he described what love looks like and how to give love to others. The passage in I Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings as a reminder of what love between two people can look like.
However, i got to thinking it can also be what God’s love looks like to you and to me.
What if this passage of scripture was a letter to you and me, from God. What if it was a valentine if you will, of how God loves each of us? As you read the following passage, read it like a letter that God has written to you. Put your own name in the greeting.
God’s Love Letter to You
My dear _(your name here)___
My Love is for you is kind and patient,
never jealous, boastful,
proud, or rude.My love isn’t selfish
or quick tempered.My love doesn’t keep a record
of wrongs that you and others do.My love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.My love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful, and trusting of you.My love never fails!
For now, in this time and place,
I give to you faith,
hope, and love.But of these three,
the greatest is my love.Love,
God
Receiving God’s love
As you read over this love letter from God, what are your reactions? Note your reactions in your body…. your emotions….. your thoughts……
What is it like for you to receive this valentine from God?
Meditating on God’s love
In addition to reading this passage as a love letter to you, I encourage you to read it over several times, letting the words flow over you. Visualize Him speaking to you and “seeing” His love come to you.
What words have extra resonance for you?
What words are more difficult for you to believe?
Meditation is simply a time of letting His words wash over you and seeing what might stand out to you. No study is needed, just reading, noticing and perhaps asking, What do you want me to especially hear from you, God?
The Take Away
By taking a scripture and seeing it from God’s perspective, you can begin to hear what He wants us to know. He delights in us, loves us and wants to empower us. He is and gives faith, hope and love.
What about you? How did God show you His love in this valentine from I Corinthians 13?
And the greatest of these is love……
Nancy Booth wants to create safe spaces for you, helping you find ways to have two-way conversations with God. She loves encouraging you to look for ways He is at work. Nancy is a spiritual director and writer. She would love to accompany you on your journey of discovery to hear and see more of the God who delights in you. Peace, hope and freedom could be yours Contact her today..