What is Love and in which way is the best way to express it? Love is more than cards, candy, flowers, and it should really be shown 365 days a year and not just one. As I think about the definition of what Love is, the first thought that comes to mind is Jesus. He is often seen as the ultimate expression of love because he moved beyond just talking about kindness to actually living it out through extreme self-sacrifice. In simple terms, he met people exactly where they were—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and befriending those whom society had rejected—without asking for anything in return. There are many in church pulpits that can speak about Jesus but do not exemplify His character and attributes to those they are supposed to be shepherding. I am thankful for all of the different verses that explain Love in a Biblical perspective. There are instructions in scripture of who, how, and when we are to Love. We can look specifically at 1 Corinthians 13 which is the Love chapter. We are called to Love our enemies (Luke 6:35), Love our neighbors and Love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Love must be sincere (Romans 12:9) and Love must do no harm (Romans 13:10). We are called to bear with one another in Love (Ephesians 4:2) and Love each other deeply (1 Peter 4:8). We are reminded that there is no fear in Love (1 John 4:18). There is no greater Love than to lay your life down for a friend (John 15:13). We are to Love God with all (Matthew 22:37). We are to pursue Love with eagerness (1 Corinthians 14:1). One of my favorites is, *1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience].* The core of this “perfect love” is the idea that Jesus chose to suffer and give up His life to bridge the gap between humanity and God, showing that true love isn’t just a feeling, but a deliberate action that puts the well-being of others above one’s own comfort or survival. Many of us have been told by the world that we are unLoveable, that we are a waste of time and space, I know I have been. God made it simple, He showed us Love by sending Jesus to earth to be a perfect example of what Love is all about, sacrifice. He thought we really were to die for. Today is a day to remember that Love is not found on February 14, it really is discovered and explained 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.* Charles Spurgeon spoke of sacrificial reality: “True love must be measured by the degree to which the person loving will be willing to subject himself to crosses and losses, to suffering and self-denials” I pray that I Love like Jesus for the rest of my life. Happy Valentine’s day my Friends, Jesus Loves you and I Love you too! 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.