Loving Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, thank you for the reminder this Valentine’s season gives about love. In spite of the joy of seeing so much around us about love made up of cards, flowers, teddy bears, and candy, it does not come close to the genuine, lasting love You have for us.

Your Word, the Bible, has many expressions about how much You love Your children. The ultimate expression is found in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

So many times, my love is conditional. How great it is that Your love is unconditional. It is not based on who I am or what I say or do. I could not earn Your love no matter how hard I tried. It is wonderful that Your love is based on Your unfailing character. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

It is Your love for me, and the Holy Spirit dwelling in me, which allows me to have the privilege of loving others with a genuine love as expressed in John 13:34. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Thank you for the many Scripture passages in the Bible like 1 Corinthians 13 that give direction on what Christ’s love through me can and should look like. You point out in the Bible that there are many spiritual gifts, but love is one that we all have and should demonstrate.

As I go out in the world and see many different expressions of love, direct me to always put far more focus on Your love.

In Jesus’ Name, thank you for the powerful message in this little chorus: “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Amen.