Introduction: This post “Love” is written by a wonderful APC member named Kim. It is her first published writing here on our website. She plans to contribute a writing monthly here, and we are so glad about, and appreciative of, that! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent, Kim!

Love

It’s February—the month we recognize special people in our lives. For some, Valentine’s Day celebration started with a hand-decorated shoe box serving as a classroom mailbox. Nervous and eager, we hoped to receive a valentine from everyone in the class. All of us like to be remembered.

Now, whether we’re sharing chocolates, flowers, a take-out dinner, a picture drawn by a child, a card, or some cherished words, like “I love you” or “Thank you for….,” we set aside time this month to officially recognize those we love and to appreciate those who love us.

But people on earth aren’t the only ones we think about during this month of abundant love. We remember those we’ve loved and lost. Many of you have suffered loss recently during the pandemic. We continue to pray for you and want you to know that love still surrounds you, for GOD IS LOVE.

We see references to love, as a verb, in 18 different books of the bible. You may remember hearing that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) or that you are to “love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8). We all love ourselves.

We see references to love, as a noun, just as many times as we did the verb. Probably the most recognized verses about love, the noun, are from 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. It’s the perfect biblical chapter to read this month! “Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant (v4).” Sound familiar? Those challenging and meaningful words are often part of wedding ceremonies for good reason.

Consider turning to that chapter now. Read it aloud. Bask in the comfort and guidance of the message. Words that can fill your heart. Words that can help you create a peaceful life. Words that might even convict you and lead you to a vow of behaving better, more in line with God’s will. You might even decide this year that those precious words are the best gift to give both yourself and someone else you love…along with the chocolates, don’t forget the chocolates!