Pray First // Here Is Love
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ~ Romans 5:8
In just two weeks, countless people across the globe will celebrate a day that (rather than serve as a reminder of Saint Valentine’s martyrdom) is now recognized as a day to go above and beyond to show appreciation for the people you love.
During the days leading up to February 14th, supermarkets and florists will stock their shelves with cards, flowers, and chocolates to be sold and exchanged as tokens of affection;
Young girls will hope beyond all hope that the boy they secretly admire “confesses” to them; Young women may expect a special declaration from their boyfriend (a ring, perhaps?);
Married couples may plan a special getaway or day of relaxation;
Expectations are high, but many end the day disappointed.
Those disillusioned with the romantic overtones of this “day of love” may choose to recognize “Singles’ Awareness Day” on the 15th by practicing a little “self-care” (and taking advantage of half-off candy sales). Throughout human history – and in recent years especially– we see many people brazenly cast aside the commands of Scripture and insist that “love is love” in any way, shape, or form that fits their fancy.
…Yet the same problem persists. Loneliness, depression, unmet expectations. The love of self feels good for a time, but ultimately leaves us just as we were - empty.
Why? Because that’s not real love. It’s a facsimile which can never fill our cup; only cause confusion. (James 3:16)
What is true love, then? (Because it’s certainly not what the movies say)
Firstly, it’s important to note that there are different kinds of love.
The English language has only one word to describe this complex virtue (a shame, for you do not love your dog, country, wife, and a good steak all the same way).
But the Greeks recognize four:
Storge (love of family); Philia (love of friends); Eros (romantic love); and Agape (selfless love), love’s highest form - the kind God has for us.
You don’t have to look far into Scripture to read that God is love (1 John 4:16). And God, in love, sacrificed himself for us (John 3:16) as an outward demonstration of His love. At its core, true love is sacrificial.
How can we live this kind of agape love out in real life? Well, apart from God it is impossible (1 John 4:8), but for those of us who are in Christ, 1 Corinthians 13 gives us some practical answers:
Love is patient (longsuffering, willing to endure),
Love is kind (gentle, compassionate, gracious),
Love does not envy or boast (not covetous or proud),
Is not arrogant or rude (not smug or disrespectful),
Does not insist on its own way (listens to understand, willing to cooperate),
Is not irritable or resentful (not contentious, spiteful, or bitter),
Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing (sin, misbehavior),
But instead rejoices in the truth (that which is factual and authentic)
Love bears all things (endures anything for the sake of the gospel),
Believes all things (not gullible, but generously believes the best about others),
Hopes all things (wants others to flourish),
Endures all things (never gives up)
Love never ends (it is everlasting).
True, lasting love never ceases. God’s love for us never runs out. Though we constantly buck against His commands and fail to obey, He loves us still. If your love has missed the mark, don’t despair. Jesus is waiting for you. Run to Him for healing and forgiveness.
As we enter this next month, pause and reflect:
- Have I accepted God’s love for me?
- How can my love for Him and others be characterized by the truths of Scripture?
Always remember that Christ’s love is more than enough.
WAYS TO PRAY THIS MONTH
Praise
- Thank God for His perfect, self-giving love shown through Jesus Christ.
- Praise Him that His love does not depend on our performance, circumstances, or feelings—but remains constant, faithful, and unending.
Confess
- Ask the Lord to reveal where our understanding of love has been shaped more by culture than by Scripture.
- Confess moments where we have chosen selfishness, pride, or convenience over sacrificial love.
Ask
- Pray that God would deepen our love for Him and grow our capacity to love others.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help us reflect Christ’s love in all our relationships—especially when it is difficult.
Intercede
- Lift up those who feel lonely, overlooked, or disappointed during this season.
- Pray for healing and hope for those longing for love, reconciliation, or restored relationships.
Look Ahead
- Pray that our lives would point others to the unchanging love of Christ.
- Ask God to use this season to draw hearts to Himself and to teach us what it truly means to love as Jesus loves.
PRAISES
- 13 triple bunks have been built and assembled in Summit West to increase our guest group capacity.
- Our new Lighthouse game room is starting to take shape. We are excited for guests to use it for the first time this weekend!
PRAY WITH US
- For our upcoming Father / Son Retreat — that God would strengthen bonds, spark meaningful conversations, and draw both fathers and sons closer to Him and to one another.
- For our two Chinese retreats — pray for clear communication, unity among leaders, and that our guests would encounter the love of Christ in personal and powerful ways.
- For our Father / Daughter Retreat — that it would be a place of safety, affirmation, joy, and healing, where young women are reminded of their worth and fathers are encouraged in their God-given role.