An Overflow of Love

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8 NKJ)

February is fast approaching and has its share of holidays to offer. The first (and my favorite!) is Groundhogs day! This somewhat obscure celebration features a large yet amiable rodent known as, what else, a groundhog! Early in the morning of Feb. 2 before the sun arises people with nothing better to do stand around the home of the groundhog, which is nothing but a hole in the ground, and wait to see if he will emerge. Legend has it that if the groundhog appears and does not see his shadow he will wander off into the woods to greet an early spring. However, if he should arise and sneak a peak of his shadowy self then he will immediately return to his nice warm cozy burrow, spring will be delayed and winter will persist for another six weeks! I don't know if groundhogs are politically correct and up to speed on all the global warming propaganda or not but my bet for Groundhogs Day would be a tap on the snooze button and a quick return to sleep! Who would want to leave a perfectly cozy and warm burrow on a cold winter morning anyway?

Following Groundhogs Day are Lincoln's Birthday (Feb. 12), Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), President's Day (Feb. 15), Mardi Gras (Feb. 16), Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17), Washington's Birthday (Feb. 22) and Purim (Feb. 27). Bet you didn't know that February had so much to offer! I would also venture to say that out of all these holidays most of us only take notice of Valentine's Day! If you have a wife, husband, sweetheart, children, grandchildren or simply need an excuse to satisfy your chocolate addiction you probably either give or receive some type of candy on this day. If you don't, let me know and I will show you where Pastor Michael keeps his secret stash of chocolate!

Valentine's Day has come to be known and celebrated as the Day of Love! But what is real love? Is it pledging undying devotion to another? Is it a warm and fuzzy feeling that makes you light headed? Is it a 2 pound Hershey Chocolate Bar? I don't think so. Although, consuming that much chocolate could make you light headed!

If you want to know what love is, real love, true love then you must look at the author of love and that is God. God's love is an unfailing goodwill demonstrated towards us for our benefit. Let's look at that definition of God's love bit by bit. God's love never fails. It always comes through. It is always for our good. It is a matter of His will which means it is by choice, not by feeling. It results in action. That action is always intended for our benefit.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Talk about a great love! That is an overflowing love! That is the type of love that God shows us and calls us to show others! That is the type of love it is impossible to show others unless you are filled to overflowing with the love of God!

This Valentine's Month ask God who He would have you to love with an unfailing goodwill demonstrated towards them for their benefit! If you like, you can include chocolate!

Seeking to love like Him!
Larry