On love, 'Let Jesus be your Valentine'

Years ago, an elderly man made it his ministry to ask young couples at church, "Did you read the love chapter this week?" the love chapter is 1 Corinthians 13, and the little old man wanted to remind young couples of the essential nature of love in their relationships.

Love is more than a feeling. Love promotes the best interests of others wholeheartedly. Paul describes what love is and what love is not in the love chapter. It seems that love may be difficult to define and yet easy to observe. Love is the identifying mark of the Christian.

Love of God and neighbor are the greatest commandments and these fulfill the Law. Jesus taught us how to love and He set the best example. We love because He first loved us. He taught, "Greater love has no one than this, "that he lay down his life for his friends." Then He demonstrated that great love by laying down His life for us. He died for us and paid our ransom.

Peter denied Jesus three times in a single night. When Jesus later restored Peter, He asked three times whether Peter loved Him. Why? The three questions would remind Peter of the three denials, and how he had failed miserably by trusting in himself. It would take great love to stand up for Jesus in this world. Love gives birth to courage. Love lays down its life for friends. Love never fails!

Do you love Jesus? Why not let Jesus be your Valentine this year? By the way, did you read the love chapter this week?

• The Rev. Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.