Love
Kicking off Love month with a heartfelt reflection on love itself. Love – such a vast word, carrying within it a myriad of emotions, from profound hurt to exhilarating passion.
Where do you fall on this spectrum?
Pause for a moment and ponder. Sure, you might be quick to place your mark on a questionnaire, but let's not rush through this. Love isn't about quick fixes; it's about delving deep into the roots.
Invite Holy Spirit, our ever-present Helper, to illuminate any lies or past hurts that may be lingering within you. Allow yourself to sit in His presence, surrendering to the waves of His boundless love. Don't resist His gentle touch; instead, lean into it with an open heart.
Take a moment to reflect and write down any lies you've begun to believe. Perhaps it stems from a childhood where love felt scarce, or maybe past relationships have left you feeling depleted, hesitant to give of yourself fully. You may find yourself carrying around a void, hoping that the right person will come along and fill it. It's this anticipation that keeps you going, the belief that love will eventually find its way to you.
Indeed, love has already made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The right person, the one who can truly heal your wounds, is none other than Jesus Himself. No human relationship can compare to the depth of His love and the healing power of His grace.
Open yourself up fully to Him, allowing His love to penetrate every corner of your heart. Surrender your hurts, fears, and insecurities to Him, knowing that He alone can bring true healing and restoration. Let His unconditional love fill the void within you, bringing you peace, wholeness, and joy beyond measure.
Past hurts often seep into our relationships because no human being can live up to any standard. Our love must first be filled by our Creator, for He alone embodies perfect love. Whatever flows from Him is lasting, full, generous, and ever-present.
Yes, His love is perfect!
Perhaps you find yourself in a relationship where hope seems to have slipped away. Relationships, without a doubt, require work. While we may have heard this countless times, it doesn't truly resonate until the initial romantic spark fades and the monotony of daily life sets in. Science tells us that the euphoria of romantic love typically lasts about 18 month to three years. If this feeling was your sole measure of love, its departure can be devastating.
But here's a secret: we're all fighting for love. No one has a golden ticket, despite how it may appear from the outside. Each of us intentionally puts effort into choosing love daily, sometimes even hourly.
You may feel like you're not fighting for your love and connection simultaneously. Instead of striving for balance, seek guidance from our Creator to navigate your season. Lean into His wisdom and trust that He will guide you through. Ask him for a now-word.
Write down the word and pray into it daily. Remember, He is a fountain of wisdom and ever-ready to help in times of trouble.
Don't try to fix yourself alone; let the Master Physician take over. He is right there with an outstretched hand. Wherever you stand, allow Him to reveal, process with Him, forgive, and heal.
Sometimes, we're unknowingly carrying a trash bag behind us filled with offenses, both small and big. Others, including our family, may no longer tolerate its stench. Yet, we cling to it, resistant to its effects.
We all have blind spots, and only Holy Spirit can reveal them. It takes courage to step into His presence and allow Him to dispel the fog. Face it with courage; with Him, you can do it.
We all long to shake off the dust that has settled, longing for freedom and joy to once again be part of our journey.
Whether you're in a relationship or not, this message is for you. Take this opportunity during the month of love to heal and grow.
Healing and growth often come with a price, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you embark on this journey, you'll experience newfound freedom and taste the sweetness of joy. Your choice to heal and grow will leave a lasting imprint on your generational line, shaping the future for generations to come. Though we may not see the deepest depths of transformation this side of heaven, we can trust that every seed we sow will be reaped in due time. Keep pressing forward with faith and determination.
As we continue to grow, let's take a closer look at what love truly means. In a culture where the lines of love have become blurred and self-seeking images are prevalent, it's essential to renew our minds and redefine our understanding of love. Let's strip away the distorted portrayals and rediscover the pure, selfless essence of love that transcends societal norms. It's time to realign our hearts with the timeless truth of genuine, sacrificial love.
God loved us first
1 John 4:19 We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First, we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
So receiving His love for us to love others is a key! We get the notion of loving others, but forget that it starts with receiving, how can we give out something we haven’t received? Freely give as you have freely received.
So know that you are loved, chosen first, not because of anything you’ve done, but because He loves you.
Let all that you do be done in love (Corinthians 16:14)
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8)
A friend loves at all times.
Just like you, I'm constantly humbled by the depth and challenge of the biblical meanings of love. But here's the beautiful part – we're not alone in this journey. As it's written, He promises to make our love increase and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Isn't that incredible? We don't have to have it all figured out or strive to love on our strength. His presence allows love to overflow from within us. And trust me, it's a daily struggle for me too. I'm not naturally the "love all people" type – anyone else?
I understand that trying and failing seem inevitable, not just for me but for all of us. We're flawed beings, and we can't manufacture love on our own. It's a divine gift, forged and nurtured in the presence of the Divine.
Regardless of where you find yourself today – whether you're eagerly anticipating Love Month, feeling lonely, or simply indifferent – know that we all have room to grow in love. Growing in love means drawing nearer to Love itself, for God is love. He's extending His hand to you, just as He loved you first. So, what will your response be today?
Your response to this call will be as unique as you are. I want to encourage you to embark on your journey this month – why not start now?
February seems the perfect time for this.
Let’s let go of past hurt, betrayal, broken promises, Rejection, Verbal or physical abuse, all of it.
You might say, "It's easy for you to say, because you don’t know my story. You don’t know my hurt, my past, everything I had to endure." And you're right—I don't know. I can't fully comprehend the depth of your pain or the challenges you've faced. Each of us carries a unique burden, shaped by our individual experiences and circumstances. Your journey is your own, and it's valid. I'm here to offer support and understanding, not to minimize or invalidate your struggles.
Indeed, healing from these wounds is far from an overnight fix. And while the road ahead may stretch beyond this month, each step forward brings us closer to the lightness of freedom that awaits us. The journey may be long, but the destination is worth every effort. So, take heart and continue forward, knowing that with each passing day, you're moving closer to the glorious freedom that awaits and I am sure, you will feel the lightness after this month already.
It’s equally important to acknowledge that sometimes we need more than just our prayers and efforts. Seeking help from a trusted friend or professional or having inner healing, provides invaluable support and guidance along the way. Remember, we're meant to support and uplift one another in times of need. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.