Send the Right Message

Nº 289

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - February 13, 2024

Here we see the infinite love of God, that He has been pleased to think of us poor creatures from everlasting and make it His work to reconcile us to Himself. And here is the foundation of the sweetness and comfort of all the mercies of God to those who are reconciled to Him: they are the fruits of the eternal love of God for us. - Jeremiah Burroughs

Thumbing through Valentine’s Day cards, I was amused by some, bewildered by others, and inspired by a few. Who writes these things? Expressing love for others can be challenging but is always worthwhile.

I Corinthians 13 is the Bible’s ‘Love Chapter.’ Line after line extolls the characteristics and benefits of godly love – much better than the schmaltzy cards.

The opening verses explain the importance of love. Paul describes the futility of living life, even a good one, void of love. The middle verses describe love, detailing what it does and does not do. On the positive side, love is patient, kind, rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and never ends. On the flip side, love is not envious, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, irritable, resentful, or happy about wrongs. The concluding segment emphasizes the preeminence of love. The final verse states, “so faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthian 13:13)

This Valentine’s Day, send a card, express your feelings, and enjoy the day. But reflect on true love articulated in I Corinthians 13 and demonstrated by God when He sent, not a card, but His Son.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc