Today's Devotion: 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s lovec is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (c Or word, love for God; The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Jn 2:5-6)

Love results from obeying God's word. If we obey God, we must love him with all our heart, soul, and strength, and we must also love our neighbor.

Today's Comments: This is a tough order in the society that we live in today. I remember yesterday, as I was in a hurry to get to the VA for my dental appointment, that I got upset with a driver on the freeway. My ex-girlfriend and I had an argument last night. I didn't feel much like loving my neighbor in either case. To really love God means to try and obey His commandments and to love our neighbor. It just seems like I fall short so much of the time.

As I was writing this, I received a message from my friend, Fred. It is a great explanation of what love is all about:

The Gift of Love Love is the most important gift we'll give during our lifetime. More than a one-time extravagance, it's genuine, ongoing assurance we express through our words and actions. There are many priceless gifts that find their roots in love. Forgiveness. Trust. Friendship. Kindness. Sacrifice. Each one is a vital piece of a beautiful whole.

I read a story that described love in a simple yet moving way. A group of elementary students were asked to honor a teacher who had passed away by drawing a picture of something that reminded them of her. One young boy finished his work of art quickly. When asked why he colored the entire page red, he explained, "I wanted to draw a picture of her heart-but it was too big for the paper."

What a wonderful way to be remembered.By giving unconditional love to others we begin to understand how deeply God loves us. It's a gift that doesn't always align with our emotions, energy, or time. We love others because God loves us so graciously. Merit isn't an issue with God, nor should it be with us. We should give love so generously that it becomes a part of who we are and a reflection of Who we serve.Above all, we need to love the people God brings into our lives.

Love is a gift God gives to us in infinite measure so that our hearts can enjoy an endless supply. Let's tap into it. Let's lavish it on others. Let's fill our words and define our actions with it - and as we do our hearts will reap God's abundance. He'll always give more than we can fathom and more than we can possibly give away. And though it appears to be packaged in heart-shaped boxes and glass vases as we celebrate Valentine's Day, love will always find its purest expression through words and deeds - as our heavenly Father exemplified through His gift of Jesus Christ. He loved us completely and expressed it openly. We'll discover extraordinary blessings on the path of His example.

I John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.