Good morning. I am not sure of the actual quote, but the point it made was this: “Love is only another word until someone makes it have meaning.”
There is no doubt that we pass the word “love” around a lot. We may be talking about a person, or a pizza. We may be referring to the heart of God, or our favorite pastime.
The word itself doesn’t mean much without the power of intention and a specific meaning employed with its use.
1 John 4:7-8 is well known for its use of the word love. In two short sentences the word love is used five times, each with its own special application for truth.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1. There is the command that Christians should have and show a sincere love for each other.
2. There is the statement of instruction that love originates from God.
3. Love is a verb, and all who engage in the action of love are both born of God and blessed with knowledge regarding God.
4. Again, it is used as a verb, but this time it is also voiced as a warning. Anyone who does not “do” love doesn’t actually know God. Sure, that person may know about God, but this is saying that without the actions of love it is revealed that the person has not entered into a meaningful relationship (intimacy) with God.
5. Because God is love. What an amazing revelation this is! God, who created time and exists beyond the constraints of time; God who created all that is in the universe; God who is omniscient-omnipotent-
If love is only a word, it is an amazing word. It is a powerful word. It is an intriguing word. It is an all-powerful word. And yet…if we know that God is love…then it is also a word of peace, and a word of endearment, and a word of promise, and a word of hope.
Love is a beautiful word. Please think about ways to live love, to reveal love, to celebrate love, to honor love, to cherish love, and to share love today.
For love is of God and love is God.
Vern