Dear loved ones,

In honor of Valentine's day, I’ve decided to take this opportunity to define love for what I know, and believe it to be:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things.”

(1 Corinthians 13: 4-8)

This love comes from God, and it is the love that we should strive to achieve. For God so love the world, that he sent his only son, Jesus, to die on a cross for our sins, and raised from the grave on the third day. And it is through his death, burial, and resurrection that we can have a relationship with our loving father.

God's love can be unpredictable, unmeasurable, unconditional, and never-ending. And it is these qualities and much more that make His love the greatest kind. For if one has the love of Christ, they can produce these characteristics: patience, kindness, forgiveness, humility, and joy.

God's love gives us hope and a purpose. God's love provides an opportunity to serve and seek Him. God's love makes way for a relationship with Him. God's love will never fail to comfort us. God's love is shown to us even when we don't deserve it. God's love is reflected throughout the bible and through the example of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. God's love allows us to have a relationship with other believers. God's love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things.

My message to you all isn't that the love that we have for our family, friends, or significant others aren't important. Rather, that by mirroring God's love, we can have greater relationships with those closest to us. Not only this, but with God's love there is no need to fear, to feel lonely, unvalued, or unloved. Because Gods love is accessible to all.

One of my favorite hymns is called How deep the father's love for us because it is one of the greatest loves songs that display the perfect form of love. Read the lyrics, take comfort in them, and celebrate Gods love today.

"How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss -The Father turns His face away, as wounds which mar the chosen One, bring many sons to glory. Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders; ashamed, I hear my mocking voice, call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished; his dying breath has brought me life -I know that it is finished. I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom; but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart -His wounds have paid my ransom."

Happy Valentines day,

Sophia