The love we all long for is already available
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15:9-10 (NIV)
In 2000, a computer virus originated in the Philippines and spread worldwide at lightning speed as people opened their inboxes at the start of a new working day. The email was titled "I love you" with a file attached called "Love-letter-for-you." When opened, the virus would start its destructive work, overwriting random files, copying addresses used by your email software, and forwarding the email. The outbreak was later estimated to have caused US$ 5.5-8.7 billion in damage worldwide (Wikipedia)
People are longing to be loved and need to be loved. This core design is wired into our very being by God, our creator. He is love; therefore, he created human beings capable of receiving and giving love. The big problem is that we often search for love in the wrong places. And we mix up the different types of love we have focused on in our devotionals this month. Philio, eros, and storge are all good expressions of love. But the only unfailing, unconditional love that lasts is the love of God, Agape. Only this love can ultimately satisfy our souls. As Augustin succinctly says, "Our heart is restless until it rests in you."
We need this perfect love of God to be able to love our neighbor, a difficult customer, an obnoxious leader, or a critical colleague. Jesus teaches us that our love must even extend to our enemies because this reflects the Father; "You, therefore, must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." John, who describes himself as the disciple Jesus loved, wrote these words to the believers: "Beloved if God so loved us, we ought to love one another."
Reflect
Where are you going with your need for love? Who can you share God's love with today?
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me. Help me to love others with your unconditional love.