So, today is Valentine's Day! It's not just a great day to eat candy, but it's a good reminder of what love really is.
Did you know that the word "love" is used more than 600 times in the Bible? When Jesus was on Earth, he told his disciples that the most important thing that we can do is love God. And he said the second most important thing is to love each other. (Take a look at Mark 12:28-30)
Even though television commercials and magazine ads tell us that the best way to show love is to buy candy or jewelry or flowers, God showed us the greatest love when he sent Jesus to Earth. Here's what 1 John 4:9-1o says -
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, that that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice for our sins."
So what does that mean for us? It means that we can be forgiven of our sins and have a relationship with God, because of what Jesus did for us when he died on the cross. He paid the ultimate price because of his deep love for us. That's pretty exciting news!
Do you remember the second part of Jesus' commandment to the disciples? He said to love one another. That's not always an easy thing to do. But thankfully, the Bible tells us what love looks like in 1 Corinthians 13 -
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails".
So, maybe you didn't get that giant box of chocolates you were hoping for this Valentine's Day, but don't forget, you were given something even better than that. God loves you so much that he offers salvation through Jesus. That's the best thing any of us can ever receive! Learn more about this awesome gift when you visit our friends at Kids Need Him.
Happy Valentine's Day!
