Daily devotional, Feb 14, 2024 Great Love
"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
Psalm 143:8
The protagonist in one of the TV series I enjoyed watching in the mid 2000s mentioned that each person has two great loves. If she met one already and he perished, or the relationship failed, then she still has one more shot at experiencing great love.
The thought was supposedly assuring, especially for people who have yet to meet their one true love. It is also a comforting thought for those who have experienced loss or break-up, as they still get that one more chance to be loved.
We Christians are being given unlimited chances to experience not just great love, but the greatest love we could ever have. The love that will not fail us, will not hurt us, will not offend us, will never change, and will never ever disappoint.
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Isaiah 54:10
Oftentimes, we sell ourselves short. We often chase the love this world offers, and when reality falls short of our expectations, we feel depressed. We start thinking that we are unworthy. But when we are aware that our Eternal Bridegroom sees us as worthy of even His very life, we can only respond with overwhelming gratitude.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
When we feel like nobody listens to us, and no one can understand, our one Greatest Love tells us He is always there to listen and guide. We only have to come to Him and seek His fellowship. There we will realize that every promise He says is true, everything that He says holds water, and His love is all you will ever need.
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Ephesians 3:18-19
He does not judge us even though He knows everything about our past. He does not hold anything back. And while He does not promise a painless and picture perfect life, He promises to never let go of our hand, especially during our most difficult times.
"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5
When we feel like our worldly love fails us with lies, we can hold on to Jesus Christ’s everlasting words. Words that comfort us and promise to shield us from the dangers of evil. Instead of holding on to meaningless lies we dare not erase from our chats and inboxes, why not devour the powerful truths found in the words of our Sovereign King who has nothing but our best interest in His heart?
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11
And while human love is wonderful, it has limitations. “Till death do us part,” we say as part of our vows. But the love offered by our Heavenly King transcends even death. Like His limitless existence, His love for us is never-ending and boundless.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
So when our expectations fail us, when human relationships falter, when the supposed loves of our lives suddenly causes us grief and pain — let us take heart that there is more in store for us than finding, meeting, and keeping Prince Charming. It is having the Prince of Peace in our hearts.
“Know now then that the Lord your God is the only true God! He is the faithful God, who keeps the covenant and proves loyal to everyone who loves him and keeps his commands — even to the thousandth generation!”
Deuteronomy 7:9
So how do we invite the Prince of Peace to reign in our hearts? We seek Him. We make Him our top priority. We pray to Him daily. We spend quiet time with Him not just to complain about our lives or ask for whatever we need, but to thank Him for everything He has done. At the same time, we seek His guidance in both the small things and big things in our lives.
We invite Jesus in our hearts when we intentionally spend time reading and studying His words. When we prioritize worshipping Him and spending time with fellow believers. When we share Him with others. Because unlike the love the world offers, the Greatest Love of Jesus Christ is meant to be shared so that those who have yet to know Him can experience His mercy, and the peace and joy that only a life with Him can give.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Corinthians 13:4-8, Ephesians 3:14-21, and Romans 5:6-8 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you consider Jesus Christ as your greatest love?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, I am offering my whole heart to you. I know I am far from being perfect, but I want to experience your saving grace, and the love that only you can offer. Give me the fortitude to walk in your ways and follow You. Amen.