Love . . .

​Love: A four letter word that evokes strong emotion on so many different levels.  From where did it come? Where does it go? If I am angry, eventually that anger subsides.  Can love subside? Does love disappear? Can love really last forever?
We are all products to some degree of love. At the very core of who we are, we were all created by love; God is love (1 John 4:8).  Jeremiah 31:3 tells us that God appeared to His children and told them, “I have loved you with an everlasting love”. That being said, everlasting love does exist. Perhaps in the many shades of love, we lose sight of its meaning and misunderstand its purpose. We forget its source. 

In this crazy world, love has a plethora of definitions.  Love has become a motto, #love – a hash tag, and even a score in tennis! The diversity of its meaning has distracted us from the power of what it truly is.  Love cannot be reduced to a fondness for something; a reflection of the attraction of two beings; roses and chocolate covered cherries.

Love is power. Love is choice. Love can change things. Love can change people. Love can change the world.

​It did.

If not for love, Jesus would have lacked the motivation and strength to climb the hill carrying the cross to which he would be nailed. The thought of that fate makes me physically ill.  Though he was a great man; a great God, if not for the power of love, he could not have made the journey to Calvary. 

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) This is not merely a suggestion. This is a picture of the love that keeps us alive. 

When we are offended, or worse yet, deeply hurt, we find it impossible to forgive.  The offender is often unaware of the offense or worse, doesn’t care! It IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGIVE! 

Betrayal is hard to stomach. A traitor doesn’t deserve the loyalty of another. Commitment becomes as dependable as the Oklahoma weather. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE LOYAL!

Lies, lies, lies! Once a liar, always a liar.  When trust is repeatedly broken, it shatters into a million pieces.   Putting the pieces together to create a beautiful mosaic becomes a daunting task.  IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TRUST!

Matthew 19:26 tells us that all things are possible with God! He will not fail us. Allow His love to fuel the determination it takes to overcome. Love is not just a cute decorative word, a salutation, or a physical attraction.

Love is a force. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:8) Love is a choice. Love is the underlying motivation to find the resolve to forgive, to commit, to trust. Love is power, it's God’s power in action.    

Vine Life Staff - MN