Agape Love

LOVE

(I thought I’d re-post this one from 2014 in honor of Valentine’s Day)

Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reflections: Have you ever felt truly loved? I’m not talking about that fly by night, flash in the pan, fleeting love; I’m talking about everlasting, AGAPE LOVE, where you are seen and known and cherished unconditionally and beyond measure…the type of love that, in reality, you can only find in the heart of your Heavenly Father…

Our souls long for this love, our hearts yearn for this connection; but far too often…

We seek it in all the wrong places

In a sea of blank faces

In the company of false friends

Winding up at dead ends…

…And ultimately, we end up feeling unfulfilled, because THAT love—that soul-fulfilling, heart-wrenching, mind-blowing, never-ending love—is only available in one place: the arms of our almighty God.

As Valentine’s Day draws near, and we are surrounded by people consumed by the pursuit of love, know that you don’t have to look far to find it. You have only to look to the Father, who waits for you with open arms and an open heart to hold you close, take away your cares, and give you peace and love that surpasses anything you’ve ever known.

Happy (Almost) Valentine’s Day! (You are truly loved!)

Song: How He Loves Us by New Breed (Original)/How He Loves Us by Anthony Evans (Remake)

Agape (A Poem)

by Nichole H. Stewart

Some days
I struggle
To put into words
The way my heart swells
At the thought of your love.

You SEE me

As no one else does
Or ever will…
Straight to
And through
My soul.
I am fully known
And you love me
Anyway
Freckles and flaws and all.

You FILL me

To completion
Shoring up
My empty spaces
Healing fast
My broken places
And You…
You
Make me
Whole..

You HEAR me

Each desperate prayer
Each unspoken plea
You are attuned
To the inner workings
Of my weary soul

And You
Abba…
My God
My Creator
My Father
You
My Master and King
You…
You deign
To respond!
In time
In wisdom
In light
And in love

You…
Your love…
It amazes me
It inspires me
It is my hope
It is my strength
It is the light
That guides me
Through the darkest nights
And reminds me
As the winds and waves of life
Rage and rail against me
That I am never alone
That You are with me always
And that in Your presence
I find joy
I find peace
I find a truer
Love
Than I have ever known
Or will ever know
Again.

You…

Jeremiah 31:3 – “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'”

Nothing can separate us from our Father’s Love. (Romans 8:38-39)

Be Mine…

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!

1 John 4:6 – “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him.”

Reflections: Have you ever seen those little candy hearts they give out during the Valentine’s Day season? They’re all over the stores these days. I saw one the other day that said, “Be Mine,” and it made me think…Isn’t that what God is asking us? To be His? He wants you to be His—His child, His heir, His hands, His heart…And He doesn’t ask for much in return, just all that you are and everything you have to give. 🙂 I know, I know…It may sound like a lot, but it’s a small price to pay for what you get in return—God’s salvation, His guidance, His wisdom, His peace, His joy, His LOVE…for eternity…Shall I go on?

God has already shown us His love in a million different ways, no more so than when He sacrificed His heart…His son…for us; and now, in return, He wants only to take our broken and battered hearts and pour into them a love that makes them whole. He wants to claim our weary souls and soothe them with peace, comfort, and rest. He wants to care for us, protect us, teach us, grow us, and above all, He wants us to know that we are L-O-V-E-D beyond measure.

God’s amazing, agape love (love unconditional) is the model to which all other love should aspire. Knowing God’s love is the key that unlocks your ability to truly love and be loved by others.  This Valentine’s Day, know that you already have at least one valentine, and He has already given you His heart. Will you give Him yours in return?

Happy Valentine’s Day! (And remember, YOU ARE LOVED!!)

Song: Love is All by Je’Kob

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Bright!