‘Greater love has no-one than this’: a Valentine’s Day reflection
In today’s society, Valentine's Day often focuses on the fleeting emotions of romantic love. While this has its place, it is important as Christians to reflect on the meaning of true love. In John 15:13, Jesus portrays a definition of love that extends far beyond society’s definitions. Leading up to his crucifixion, Jesus declares, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." This profound statement emphasises true love as a deliberate act of obedience to God, rooted in a deep relationship with God and others. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, true love is then expressed outwardly as an act of sacrifice and pursuing the well-being of others before oneself.
Understanding True Love
Love begins and ends with God. 1 John 4:16 says, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” Furthermore, the greatest commandment given by Jesus is to love God first and then our neighbour next (Matthew 22:36-39). True love, therefore, is an act of obedience to God expressed through building godly relationships with the people He has placed around us. Just as Jesus built deep, meaningful relationships with His disciples through shared experiences, mutual respect, and vulnerability, we are called to do the same.
At the core of John 15:13 lies the concept of sacrifice. True love demands prioritising the needs and well-being of others above our own desires. Jesus exceptionally exemplifies this by sacrificing His divinity to take on humanity in order to fulfill the Father's plan for human salvation. True love is also active, not passive; it manifests in acts of service. It's about living a life that reflects the selfless love of Christ, who gave His life for us.
The Daily Pursuit of Growing in Love
Matthew 22:37 emphasises the need to love with all our heart, soul, and mind. Therefore, living a life of truly loving others requires constant and daily intentional effort. If we struggle to love as God intends, we should examine our hearts for hindrances like unforgiveness, rejection, trauma, or pride. A deep and abiding relationship with God becomes essential for overcoming these hindrances. As spending time in His presence transforms our hearts, making us more like Him, our capacity to love God and others increases. From our abiding relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of truth (John 15:26), then empowers us to truly love God and others well, like Jesus did for us.
This Valentine's Day, let us move beyond typical expressions of love and strive to live out the love of Christ daily. Through the help of the Holy Spirit let us cultivate deeper relationships, prioritise the needs of others, and live lives of sacrificial service. Remember, love is a command from God; therefore, if we profess to follow Jesus, then we must daily choose to love, even when it's difficult. The Father's heart overflows with love for His children; therefore, let us reflect that love to the world around us.
- Rudo Chirata