As an author, I find the topics of love and relationships fascinating. Countless writers have penned love stories. Movies constantly depict love in personal relationships. These never-ending topics are intertwined with human experience.
No wonder. The Bible declares that God created people in His own image. Because God is love (1 John 4:16), it’s only natural that—despite our flaws and shortcomings—each of us contains that inner flicker, a wish to love and to be loved.
But that valuable word love has become so commonplace. People declare their love for Oreo Blizzards, hairstyles, and stylish cars. It seems there are many varieties of love. Which is most important?
A lawyer once asked Jesus, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” (Matthew 22) Jesus didn’t miss a beat: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Boom. Jesus stated pointblank that giving our Creator our highest measure of devotion and faithfulness is more vital than the 10 Commandments and every other rule in the Bible.
But do we live that way? Even for those who have read the Bible and believe it, there are constant temptations.
Temptations to embrace sins God hates. Temptations to elevate our personal desires over His (idolatry). Temptations to step outside of His will and to pursue goals of our own choosing. (Is there anyone among us who has never done this?)
God loves us. He invites us, His creation, to embrace Him in a mutual loving relationship. But I’m afraid God understands perfectly the heartbreak of a husband or wife with an adulterous mate. He continues to bless with sunshine, rain, and provisions, even while so many ignore Him and run around with the Devil.
Yet, God waits. Like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, He knows what we’re doing—but still loves and waits for our return. If your love for the Lord has faltered, He doesn’t want you to wallow in guilt. God lovingly waits for you. He’s only one prayer away!