"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
Love IS the answer, and the source of all love is God himself. Best of all, God's love is perfect -- unfailing and everlasting.
So if we've been looking for love in all the wrong places, looking to God's love as our example is the right place!
"And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love." 1 John 4:17-18
How interesting that God talks about OUR love growing more perfect. It's not so much about finding love, but about showing love. When we love like Jesus, and when we fully experience His perfect love, we enjoy confidence in love -- with no fear.
Don't you love that God tells us: perfect love expels all fear. Perfect love does not fear punishment. We need not worry about judgment. God LOVES us!
May we show that kind of love to our loved ones as well.
When spouses disappoint us. When children disillusion us. When families dishearten us. When friends deny us. When authorities deceive us.
God's perfect love never fails us.
"O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love." Psalm 59:17
When we love God in return, His Holy Spirit indwells us. Through the fruits of the Spirit, we obey God's commandments. Then God rewards us even more by blessing our families for a thousand generations!
"But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands." Exodus 20:6
If you have a mixed family, with a Christian parent and an unbelieving parent, rest assured that God blesses one who loves and obeys Him despite an unbelieving spouse.
Although the unbeliever's stubborn rebellion wreaks havoc on a family, our God bestows His blessings for the sake of His beloved.
My mother accepted Christ when I was young and prayed for my unbelieving father. He eventually quit drinking and finally surrendered to Christ -- on his death bed. This was a blessing from God that we did not expect.
My mom loved and obeyed God in very difficult circumstances. God is her refuge and He will lavish his love on her family for a thousand generations!
Take heart in a new year for love. Keep on loving, keep on praying, and keep on believing. Our God's love is perfect and never fails!
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22-23