Love & Giving

Valentines Day is coming up fast and the theme aisle at Wal-Mart is loaded with red and pink packages with hearts (and chocolates) in abundance. Candy and Jewelry stores are promoting their products as the best expressions of romantic appreciation.

But where does love fit into all of this holiday fervor?
Is it fair to say that romance is not necessarily related to love?

Love is not attraction - physical or otherwise. 

Love is not a sense of pleasure derived from the object of your love. 

Love is not infatuation.

True love is a decision to give yourself for the good of the other.

True love is a willing sacrifice of self for the other.

True love is finds its joy in the delight of the loved one.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...

(1 John 4:10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son...

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

(Ephesians 5:25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 

Let your love run deep and strong. Give yourself - heart and soul - for life - no matter what.  

Then enjoy the holiday. Give gifts. Be romantic.