If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.” vss. 19-20
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Believers have always been fans of Valentine’s Day. Way back in the third century there was a St. Valentine who performed works of love and service in the area of Rome. As the years passed, stories and myths helped to preserve the memory of his life and martyrdom, and February 14 became his feast day. At some point in the Middle Ages Valentine’s Day came to be associated with romantic love and now even unbelievers are sending valentines to those they love. It’s a good thing to elevate the presence of love in our broken world, and certainly followers of Jesus will join the now mostly secular celebration. Jesus was all about loving and called his disciples to even give their lives in acts of love and service. But as wonderful as it is to be engaged in loving in this world, Paul reminds us in Romans 8 that there is nothing in all creation that is of more value than the love of God in Christ Jesus. In fact, he says that not even death can separate us from that great love. How do we know that? Well, it’s all about the resurrection of Christ. As he tells the Corinthians, because Christ was raised from the dead, we can be confident that we too will have new life.
Thought for the Day: How is romantic love different from Jesus’ love?
0 Comments