UNFAILING LOVE

By: Dennis Harworth

February is noted for the celebration of romantic love, friendship, and affection on Valentine’s Day.  Hallmark rebranded February as a whole “month of love” by advertising the new releases of romantic movies and love stories in “Loveuary”.  And, just like in a Hallmark movie, love often grows by spending a great deal of time to-gether.  One particular movie, the couple who were best friends since elementary school shared countless hours enjoying life side by side without ever considering romance. Without realizing it, their constant companionship and support only deep-ened a love that had been shaped by time, trust, and constant presence, but as the plot usually plays out, there is a failed communication and they separate.  Of course, in the end, the misunderstanding is cleared up and they discover their deep love for each other as they passionately kiss.

This movie reminded me of our relationship with the Lord.  The big difference is that God’s love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).  What is absolutely true is that spending time in His presence will always result in drawing deeply closer to Him.  We may not often recognize it, but a true closeness creates a deep bond of love, a strong trust, and heartfelt devotion.  Just as the best friends slowly realized the depth of their affection, we can grow into a deeper love for God and enjoy His faithful and endur-ing love lavished upon us (Psalm 117:2 NLT).

God is love (1 John 4:8) and this precious unfailing love (Psalm 36:7 NLT) continues forever (Psalm 100:5 NLT) and is better than life itself (Psalm 63:3 NLT).  God loves you with an everlasting love.  With unfailing love, He has drawn you to Himself (Jeremiah 31:3 NLT). 

Oh, you have to get ahold of this!  When you spend time In His presence, your love deepens because this love lives in you (1 John 4:16).  Love is the very essence of God.  It is the very character and nature of God to unselfishly share Himself with you.  It is His character trait of love that makes up the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) for you to use daily.  Love is the basis of all virtues that expresses itself in many outward qualities of character found in “The Love Chapter” of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  This love endures when all else fails because God cannot fail and nothing can separate us from that love (Romans 8:38–39).

Let this February become more than a romantic season.  Make it a reminder that the deepest love grows through continual closeness-not just an hour a week on Sunday.  Spend time in worship, meditate on His Word, day and night (Psalm 1:2), and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  As you walk with the Lord daily, you won’t just know about God’s love; you will grow into it, experiencing and enjoying His unchanging, everlasting, enduring, and UNFAILING LOVE!