This is Love

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Psalm 103:8

            

           As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us consider our worth in comparison to the relationships in our lives. For the ones characterized by loving-kindness, this idea validates us. Yet for the ones characterized by abuse, love becomes a confusing concept. Still others of us may be disconnected from mutually satisfying relationships where we can give and receive love in a healthy manner. This reality steals our joy since we were made for community. When so much of our focus rests on deriving our value from how others perceive us, we can become disheartened.

            Yet there is One who sees us clearly and loves us deeply. His love redefines our lives and fills them with joy.

            The Bible describes God as love. Who God is as a person defines our understanding of love. Psalm 103: 8 says that God is “merciful” and “gracious”. He offers compassion and kindness, providing light in our desperate circumstances. He uses His power to forgive us and bring us into a relationship with Himself as a reflection of His love. The closeness we have with God builds up our spirit instead of crushing our heart. God’s love abounds in our lives; it is present in great supply. He faithfully lavishes love on us by treating us with great affection as a reflection of our value and an expression of His delight in us. His love refines us so that we know our worth and radiate His love to others.

            May we receive His unending love for us today.