Happy Valentines

Friday, February  4, 2000

VERSE:
   But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved.
    -- Ephesians 2:4-5, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Ephesians+2:4-5>

THOUGHT:
   There is nothing in this world like it.  People have fought for it, because of it.  People have died for it and from the lack of it.  It is something given, but never available on demand.  It is one of the few things we can only give and receive when we are really ready for it.  Love.

  Looking back on your life, you no doubt have experienced at least one of the forms of love:  Philia, Eros, and Agape.  Philia, is the love I have for my brother, my sister, my family.  Amy.  It is the desire to be in relationship with that person.  Someone to whom you might feel closely connected to.  Eros, is the love that is passionate, from our heart, our soul.  This is one of the most intimate feelings we could ever know. Amy.  Agape, love that flows freely, however it may be undeserved, yet given equally to the murderer as well as the victim.  Christ.  Sure there are three types of love here, but really, there is but one form of love, that is the love that you give from your heart to another.  God.  God gave to us, as both murderer of peace and victim of chaos, new life, Love.  Embrace the love, the Grace God has given to you, to me, to everyone.

PRAYER:
   Your love, mercy, and grace have saved me, dear Father.  I lift Your name to the highest heavens.  I open my heart, so you might be the Lord of my life.  Move me to the place where Love dominates my thinking, my very being.  Help me to share Your Good News to all I encounter.  Instead of having me think of ways to repay Your Grace, help me to live out Your Grace, Your Love, all of my days.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.