This being February in which it has been designated Valentine's Day, the whole month is tinged with love.
However, there is much to be said about love. Many prepared and gave gifts such as candy or flowers to their sweethearts, family members, and friends.
But what is love? How can we explain love to that spouse who is continually being abused and yet received a card and box of candy on Valentine's Day? Or that abused child who took enough Valentine cards to school for his whole class, wishing he could be like what he "thinks" others in his class are. Or better yet, explain love to that hungry, homeless person who doesn't get anything for Valentine's Day.
You see love is a "heart" thing. Love addresses issues beyond emotions that are stirred up only on holidays. It is always in action. It's fine to give cards, candy, and gifts, but let it be from the heart, and let it be real.
We live in a nation where love is talked about a lot and shown little. It seems every day people grow farther and farther apart.
We also celebrate black history this month, remembering those who have made great contributions to this nation to bring about a change. The old patriots had a love for God and for each other. They worked together, therefore they accomplished much.
Now we must embrace that same love if we want to get any positive results. We have got to learn to love one another regardless of the color of our skin or nationality or religion.
When we get to Heaven, we will definitely not have a place for special races, creeds or the like. Heaven will only be open for the pure in heart (Matt. 5:8).
You see God is a heart man. He is always looking at our hearts. The Bible states in I Samuel 16:7 "For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
To God we're a bunch of hearts walking around. Sometimes in our churches hate and discrimination are taught in disguise and God is not pleased. I Corinthians 13 gives us divine revelation on the definition of love. I John 4:7-8 gives us instruction to love one another for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God for God is love. So it's high time to awake out of sleep and begin to pray for our nation, our churches, and one another. Especially for the leadership of this nation and all of those who are in authority over us, both nationally and locally, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all Godliness and honesty. Let us begin to love from the heart with the God kind of love, (agape) real love. I Corinthians 13.
Edwards is senior pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship Church.
However, there is much to be said about love. Many prepared and gave gifts such as candy or flowers to their sweethearts, family members, and friends.
But what is love? How can we explain love to that spouse who is continually being abused and yet received a card and box of candy on Valentine's Day? Or that abused child who took enough Valentine cards to school for his whole class, wishing he could be like what he "thinks" others in his class are. Or better yet, explain love to that hungry, homeless person who doesn't get anything for Valentine's Day.
You see love is a "heart" thing. Love addresses issues beyond emotions that are stirred up only on holidays. It is always in action. It's fine to give cards, candy, and gifts, but let it be from the heart, and let it be real.
We live in a nation where love is talked about a lot and shown little. It seems every day people grow farther and farther apart.
We also celebrate black history this month, remembering those who have made great contributions to this nation to bring about a change. The old patriots had a love for God and for each other. They worked together, therefore they accomplished much.
Now we must embrace that same love if we want to get any positive results. We have got to learn to love one another regardless of the color of our skin or nationality or religion.
When we get to Heaven, we will definitely not have a place for special races, creeds or the like. Heaven will only be open for the pure in heart (Matt. 5:8).
You see God is a heart man. He is always looking at our hearts. The Bible states in I Samuel 16:7 "For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
To God we're a bunch of hearts walking around. Sometimes in our churches hate and discrimination are taught in disguise and God is not pleased. I Corinthians 13 gives us divine revelation on the definition of love. I John 4:7-8 gives us instruction to love one another for love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God for God is love. So it's high time to awake out of sleep and begin to pray for our nation, our churches, and one another. Especially for the leadership of this nation and all of those who are in authority over us, both nationally and locally, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all Godliness and honesty. Let us begin to love from the heart with the God kind of love, (agape) real love. I Corinthians 13.
Edwards is senior pastor of Agape Christian Fellowship Church.