Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.     1 Corinthians 13:13 HCSB

As a child, we all look forward to opening gifts. We look forward to our birthdays and Christmas and one of those greatest joys is opening gifts. Just a few days ago, I attended my nephew’s birthday party. A number of 7-year-olds were gathered around as he was opening his gifts and it seemed to be a loud, joyous time for all.

I can remember the days when it was all about the gifts. But I have to admit, it’s still all about the gifts for me. The only difference is the gifts I desire have changed. I desire to have peace and joy in my life. I appreciate time spent with friends and family members that I love and trust.

But the greatest gift of all is love. I recently celebrated another birthday. I asked for no presents because of the love I have in my life. God has so richly blessed me with some wonderful Christian family members and friends. He has put people in my lives that give me joy and peace and most importantly love.

This last year has been a challenge. Our area was hit hard by hurricane Ida, fortunately we suffered no damage but went almost two weeks without power. There have been other issues in our lives, but we have been loved. We have felt God’s love and we have been blessed by the love of our family and our friends.

As I think back to the days when I was doing some serious backsliding in my walk with the Lord, I realize I didn’t have this kind of love. God still loved me, but I had chosen relationships that were convenient. They were convenient because we shared a common interest, but there was no Christian love.

Often times we spend a good part of our lives searching for love without knowing what we are searching for. We try to fill that God-sized hole in our heart with all the wrong things. To get love, you must give love. 1 John 4:8 says anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love. If you want to fill that void, you must love, you must trust in God who is love.

If you want peace and joy in your life, you must put on love. This means you must intentionally show love to others. We are told in Colossians 3:14 that love beings everything together in perfect harmony.

If you are thinking you’ve done too many bad things to be loved, you are wrong. We are told in Proverbs 10:12 hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. Also, in 1 Peter 4:8 we are told to keep loving one another earnestly because love covers a multitude of sins.

If you want to be loved, you must love. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind (Matthew 22:37). If you love Him with all your heart, you will keep His commandments (John 14:15). In doing so, you will love your neighbor.

We are told to bear one another in love with all humility, gentleness and patience in Ephesians 4:2. My friend, trust in God. Love Him with all your heart. Receive this great love He has for you. If we give love, God will give His love in return. He will also bless us with wonderful people in our lives to love and give us love.

There is no greater gift than love. My prayer for you today is that you are experiencing God’s love today.

Have a wonderful day!