How about a date with God?

It's almost valentines. You see paper hearts and cupids all streamed across mall stores. So what's all the hype about? LOVE. And who better to go on a date with but the One who is LOVE.

^"16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16

But to define God as love- is simply hard to fathom. So we have created our own definitions of love. Among those are: an intense affection for another; passionate attachment towards another person based on personal ties; sexual passion or desire.

Love can also attributed from an image of a heart, a cupid with a bow, a box of chocolates, flowers and candy- holding hands, hugging, kissing.. making love. These are what comes to mind when we think of the word love. But where is God in this picture? Have we become so immersed in our worldly ideals, that we have forgotten to put the Lord in this equation?

Lots of people have asked me what I am going to do this valentines. A lot of them assume that me and my partner will be going somewhere special on a date. Well for one, we're both broke. And two, I believe that valentines have become so much about everything I have mentioned above but never about God. A box of chocolates is nice, or even a romantic dinner- believe me, I've fallen for this gesture many times. But I realize now, that people put so much effort on what they'll do for their significant other- that they forget what's really significant. Looking at it from a different angle, those who don't have anyone- put so much effort complaining and sulking about being alone. Do they even realize that they aren't?

The Bible tells us many different stories to emphasize God's love for His people. He shows them in many ways- by blessing them, healing them, showing them mercy and forgiveness- even by rebuking them. The ultimate act of love of God for His people was through the sacrifice of Christ.

"⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

He also asks that we learn to love Him back. Not just that but to love His people as well.

^"37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22: 37-38

And how do we show our love for God and others? Well, the Bible will tell us. But among many are by listening to His teachings, obeying Him, trusting Him, knowing Him, spending time with Him- showing compassion for others.. letting go and asking for forgiveness. But at times, people revert back to sinning- loving themselves and others over God because they think that loving God is just so difficult to comprehend. It is much easier to love on our terms than to love on God's terms.

But see, although it is difficult, God allows us chances. He does not give up on us. My own life is a testimony that God did not give up on me and still haven't. You see if God gave up on us, I would not be writing this right now nor would you be reading it. If we fall and break our fellowship with the Lord, all we have to do is admit we've sinned- He will gladly take us back. That is one of the many ways our Lord loves us.

So, this coming valentines day, you may have a date or not- you may give or receive flowers.. you may just be by yourself or it may just be an ordinary day- God is asking you to have a date with Him. This year, valentines is on a Sunday. He already reserved a place for you to be with Him... all you have to do is go. It can be a wonderful start or a great renewal to your relationship with Him.

Will you be God's valentine?