WHAT IS THE MEANING OF REAL LOVE?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF REAL LOVE? “By this we know love, because [Jesus Christ] laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16 NKJV). Another Valentine season is here! Many people, especially young ones, are preparing to “celebrate” love again in their own way. Many people have ruined their destines in the name of Valentine celebrations. Many will still ruin their future during the celebration this year. Only the wise know better and celebrate the season with caution. Valentine’s Day is believed to be a day of celebration of love as St. Valentine did so many centuries ago. There have been many meanings of love. A quick search of love meaning in any dictionary will give numerous definitions. However, what is the real meaning of love? The above-quoted verse gives a unique insight into what true love means: giving oneself sacrificially to other people. This is rooted in what a man or woman can give, not what he or she can get from the object of his or her love. This is what Jesus Christ demonstrated when He emptied Himself and came down to this world to die for the sin of humankind. Every believer in Him is also expected to go out of their way to sacrificially do things for other people. This is real love. It is not the selfish love or lust that many people are demonstrating today towards other people. Apostle Paul admonished: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV). That is real love! Celebrating Valentine’s Day is not a sin. Getting involved in immoral activities in the name of celebration of love on Valentine’s Day is sinning against oneself, other people, and ultimately God. Do not ruin your future during this Valentine season. Demonstration of real love should go beyond just a day in a year. Be ready to sacrificially love other people. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to always demonstrate true and sacrificial love to other people.