Today’s Scriptures: 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. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Again, the world is gripped by celebration of love. History has it that, precisely on February 14th in A.D 470, Saint Valentine was executed for performing weddings for Roman soldiers against the Roman law. Today, Saint Valentine is referred to as the patron Saint of beloveds, and people around the world celebrate romantic love on the day of his execution. But love ought to go beyond romance; Love should be expressed same way as God expressed His love to humanity. Romantic love is SELFISH and fake; it is withdrawn if not reciprocated. Godly love is Agape love, and it goes beyond self; it touches others with positive impact. Godly love leads to eternal life; we cannot inherit the kingdom of God if we hate our neighbor because hating the neighbor is the same as hating God. But true love to God and your neighbour must be devoid of selfish motive. In any event, love is the outer manifestation of inner righteousness; Love is the noblest sacrifice we can offer to God. Love is patient, kind, does not rejoice in evil, does not envy, does not boast, not proud, not rude, not selfish, slow to anger, keeps no record, rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believe all things, Hopes all things and endures all things.

This is the kind of love Christ loves us with. All of these characteristics were evident throughout his childhood, public ministry, sufferings and death as well as resurrection. THIS IS THE KIND OF LOVE WE SHOULD CULTIVATE, AND EXPRESS TO EACH OHER TODAY. Although Agape love seems difficult to express, we are not alone, Christ gives us grace and the ability to love others. Love is the greatest of all the eternal virtues and therefore, will never become obsolete or invalid. The word of God is telling us today to express Apape love to everyone, including our families, as Romantic Love easily withers off. Also, other gifts of the spirit will fade away, ONLY Agape love will remain. Today, have a reassessment of yourself; how does your conduct measure up to Paul’s description of love in your dealing with others, whether they be friends or foes? Remember, without love, our labor means nothing! Are you committed to walking in “The More Excellent Way of Love?” HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I want to love in a more excellent way, starting from today. Lord, help me to overcome selfish love and to be ready to make sacrifice without expectation of any reward. AMEN