February 14 “Real Love” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)
Today is the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day. For as long as most of us can remember, February, and the 14th of February has been the month, and day to celebrate and recognize “Love!” I can remember being so excited that I would share a Valentine’s card with each one of my classmates when I was in elementary school. I think that I was most excited about the chocolate hearts that were always around. As I grew older, it became an opportunity to show that special one, just how I felt and might even get a kiss because of it! As an adult, I took on a different position. The perceived obligation to shower your significant other with expensive candy, flowers, and a meal at a “Nice” (code word for expensive) restaurant, were a bit overwhelming for me! The first Valentine’s Day that Annette and I shared, I told her, in advance, that I was not getting candy, flowers or any of that stuff. I prepared a meal at my place, and we had a simple time together, watching TV and talking. By the way, I had rather send flowers or candy on April 7th or May 11th! She would not expect them and that would become a very special moment! I tell this to tell this… God is Love! His Love is a True and Pure and Eternal Love! His Love is not determined by time or space or circumstances or moods or attitudes or ups or downs, or any other earthly challenge! Paul called it “Charity!” We know it as “Love!” The only way to truly “Love” one another, is to embrace the Love of God, through the shed blood of Jesus and His example of Real Love! Share your love with your spouse or friend yet remember the author and creator of “Real Love,” Jesus Christ! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!