Loving with the Greatest Love

When I’m at a barbeque and spot a bag of original Lay’s, I’m known to walk over, grab a couple, and remark, “I love potato chips!” When I’m at that same barbeque and spot my daughter, Sadie Anne, I’m known to run over, give her a hug, look straight into her eyes, and say, “I love you, Sadie Anne!” Like a potato chip? Of course not! The word “love” has an extremely wide spectrum of meanings. What is “love” according to the Bible? First, love is the greatest virtue [1 Cor. 12:31-13:13]. Second, it is the chief fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in and through our lives [Galatians 5:22-23]. Third, God is the source of all true, giving, ongoing love. God’s love for us is fully expressed by giving His Son, Jesus Christ [Titus 3:5]. God’s love also is fully expressed by adopting us as His children [Ephesians 1:5]. In both cases, God loves us with an everlasting love [Psalm 103:17]. Fourth, in 2 John 6 the apostle tells us, “Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another.” Love, then, is what motivates us to bless others in ways that matter here and now...and for eternity. This is Andrew Palau.