Word of the Week: Love

There’s an old joke about a woman whose husband died and she had inscribed on his tombstone words to this effect:

“The light of my love has been extinguished.”

In time, however, her heart healed, she met another man and fell in love. As she planned to remarry, the inscription on her first husband’s tombstone bothered her.

Finally, she came up with the solution and had added these words: “I found a match.”

This month and especially this day is universally recognized in the Western world as a month of romance. Hallmark has capitalized on it by calling February, “Loveuwary,” and promoting a special series of movies.

However, the reality of life, is that the love of many has been extinguished. Not just in marriages, and other physical relationships, but also in our spiritual relationship with the Lord.

When the apostle John was instructed to write to the seven churches of Asia and reveal to them how the Lord saw them. To the Ephesian Church, He commended them for their doctrinal soundness, their works, and their perseverance. However, He said he had this against them.

“You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first (Rev. 2:4-5)

This exhortation reminds us that in any relationship, whether physical or spiritual, it’s not enough to just go through the motions. To believe the Bible. And to do the right things. Our motives must be founded and grounded in true love. Love for God. And love for others (Matt. 22:37-40).

As we think this year about our theme, “Let’s Renew in ‘22,” consider the depth of your love. Your love for God. For your spouse. For your family. For your friends. For your brethren.

Do you need a match to reignite the fire you once possessed?

This text offers three steps that will help you renew, revive and restore your love.

#1 Remember.

In a marriage, we may slip into taking each other for granted. Of focusing on each other’s faults, instead of strengths. Of allowing petty annoyances to overshadow more important qualities. When that occurs, it’s good to remember how you originally fell in love. Why you married. And what qualities attracted you in the first place.

Spiritually, when you feel your passion begin to wane, remember God’s blessings. God’s goodness. God’s grace. Remember why you obeyed the gospel. Remember who you are. And remember where you’re going.

#2 Repent.

Repent means to change. It’s a change of mind and heart that issues itself in a change of behavior. Too often, our culture looks at love as just a romantic emotion. So, when our feelings subside, that must mean we’re not in love anymore. God’s love in us is a decision. An act of the will. It’s actually, possible to take a relationship in which love has been extinguished, and rekindle it when we repent. And determine to change our ways.

It’s true both physically and spiritually. If your love for the Lord slipping? Sliding? Slumping? Then repent. Don’t wait for your spirit to move you to do better, move your spirit. Admit it. Confess it. Ask God’s forgiveness.

#3 Return

“Do your first works,” John admonished the Ephesians brethren. Return to that former zeal.

In marriage, we can too often fall into sloppy habits that show a lack of consideration, respect, and thoughtfulness for each other. To rekindle love return to those actions and attitudes that promoted one another’s mutual love. Consider each others’ needs. And unselfishly work to satisfy those needs with feeling and fervor.

Spiritually, examine yourself, to see where you’ve slipped? Is it in Bible study? In your prayer life? In worship? In discipleship? In fellowship? In ministry? Return to do those things that foster your feelingsof love for the Lord, His cause, and His people.

If your love for God has diminished, or your love in a physical relationship has grown cold, find your match. And rekindle that spark.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman