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Spiritual Sunday ~ Valentine's Day


We have known and believed that God loves us. God is love. Those who live in God's love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16


The truth is that God is love. He loves each and every one of us. The 1 John verse says that we have known and believed that God loves us, but I think some Christians struggle with this. It is a choice we make to receive God’s amazing love.

When I was in California a few weeks ago, I attended a mid-week Women’s Bible Study. After the teacher’s presentation, the women were placed in discussion groups and that was when I met Kathie. She liked studying the Word and sincerely was trying to piece her life together by the teaching that morning. She made some past choices and now wondered if her choices were biblical. She asked our group if we agreed with her personal decisions. I listened carefully as the group leader answered with grace and insight. Then the leader asked me if I had anything to add. I did and now that the leader called on me, I must respond. I turned toward Kathie and touched her arm. “As you were speaking, Kathie, God spoke to my heart. He wants you to know how very much He loves you.” Kathie immediately burst into tears. We never get tired of hearing how much God loves us! Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we lose sight of His powerful love. That’s what happened to Kathie and that’s what has happened to me so many times in my life.

The best valentine I can ever receive is from Jesus. His love is the best valentine gift I can give. Many years ago, my wise boss declared that when a woman knows she is loved, she can accomplish anything. He said: “What’s more beautiful than a woman in love?” I would add to this today, ”A woman who knows Jesus!”

For more inspiration, be sure to visit Spiritual Sundays.

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2010 at 11:57 AM

    :) Thanks for such a sweet and inspiring post. You really know how to share a "pile of smiles!"
    Happy Valentine's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. rcubesFebruary 13, 2010 at 1:10 PM

    Amen! It's not what we do or can't do that will make God love us more or less. He loves us. Period. He is God of love. And I'm so grateful that we serve Him! Happy "love" day sister...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageFebruary 13, 2010 at 1:52 PM

    Amen! A woman who has the Lord in her heart simply glows from within. He just radiates His love all over us and through us and others can see it and feel it too. Thank you for sharing your touching story. Happy Valentines Day to you, Mary, and have a beautiful Sunday.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nikki (Sarah)February 13, 2010 at 1:59 PM

    that last paragraph is the best. I know I'm loved by God....that gives me the confidence to do what I never thought I could. thank you for this. Have a great weekend. Happy V. day.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beth in NCFebruary 13, 2010 at 2:28 PM

    So beautiful Mary. I know you were such a blessing to Kathie.

    Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Happy Valentine's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kathleen February 13, 2010 at 5:45 PM

    The truth of that one simple, though incredibly powerful fact is life-changing! He loves us. And because He first loved us, we can love in return.

    I'm reminded of a song from many years back (the Gaithers): Because He lives, I can face tomorrow ...

    How true. How incredible.

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  7. AndreaFebruary 13, 2010 at 5:54 PM

    Praising GOD for your sensitivity. Kathie needed you. Thank you for being a living vessel for our Heavenly Father...not a stagnant vessel....a living, active, alert vessel.
    Hugs, andrea

    ReplyDelete
  8. GayleFebruary 13, 2010 at 6:27 PM

    Another amen. Love conquers all.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dayle ~ A Collection of DaysFebruary 13, 2010 at 7:21 PM

    Great post! Happy Valentine's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  10. bpFebruary 13, 2010 at 8:19 PM

    This is such a sweet Valentine's Day post!

    God bless you today and this week.
    Bethany

    ReplyDelete
  11. bpFebruary 13, 2010 at 8:19 PM

    This is such a sweet Valentine's Day post!

    God bless you today and this week.
    Bethany

    ReplyDelete
  12. Peter StoneFebruary 13, 2010 at 10:13 PM

    That's beautiful, Mary. The love of Jesus means everything to me, and has sustained me through the blackest of times.
    God bless :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. DebbieFebruary 13, 2010 at 10:50 PM

    AMEN...A woman whose heart is full of Jesus leads a life that spills that love out to others. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Blessings, Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  14. LorenFebruary 13, 2010 at 11:09 PM

    Oh Mary ! Bless you for being used by the Lord and blessing Kathie by sharing HIS LOVE and not only reminding her on HIS love for her but by giving her love too! For being an example of obeying the Spirits call!

    I love you Mary and am blessed by you always! Have a wonderful Valentines with your honey and with the ONE true LOVE of ALL!

    ReplyDelete
  15. ReneeFebruary 14, 2010 at 7:47 AM

    So true. God loves us just as we are. Happy Valentine's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  16. LisaFebruary 14, 2010 at 8:19 AM

    Is it wonderful when God uses us to minister to another?
    Have a Happy Valentine's Day and a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  17. LeAnnFebruary 14, 2010 at 8:48 AM

    I am glad you were sensitive to the spirit and spoke these words to this woman! What a touching account of God's love.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Musings of A MinisterFebruary 14, 2010 at 1:48 PM

    Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your experience.

    ReplyDelete
  19. CharlotteFebruary 14, 2010 at 2:03 PM

    This is so beautiful. We can never be reminded too much of God love for each of us. Thank you for sharing your experience.
    Valentine blessings,
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  20. christy roseFebruary 14, 2010 at 3:38 PM

    Amen! So true! What a wonderful post for this Day!

    ReplyDelete
  21. ❀~Myrna~❀February 14, 2010 at 6:30 PM

    Beautiful story, His love is wonderful !
    Happy Valentine's Day !
    Blessings,
    ~Myrna

    ReplyDelete
  22. Rhodema @ MommyLifeFebruary 14, 2010 at 7:13 PM

    Thank you for the story that so perfectly illustrates God's love for us. We don't have to make perfect choices to receive His love. So glad.

    Happy Valentines Day!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Joan HallFebruary 14, 2010 at 7:31 PM

    What a comfort it is to know that Jesus loves us in spite of ourselves. For many years, I thought I had to "earn" that love, but now know He loves us unconditionally.

    Blessings,
    Joan

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ginger~~Enchanting CottageFebruary 15, 2010 at 5:05 AM

    Just knowing that Jesus loves me helps me get by each and every day.
    Thank-you for this precious post.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  25. LisaShawFebruary 15, 2010 at 2:28 PM

    So beautiful dear sister and I can see GOD using you to speak HIS love and share HIS LOVE with Kathie as you do with all of us.

    I never tire of hearing that GOD loves me. His love saved my life through Christ.

    I LOVE YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  26. elaine @ peace for the journeyFebruary 15, 2010 at 2:56 PM

    The best Valentine indeed! And the best part of the deal, there's enough of Jesus' love to go around and fill each one of us.

    Happy week, friend.

    peace~elaine

    ReplyDelete
  27. Heart2HeartFebruary 15, 2010 at 3:03 PM

    Oh Mary,

    I think this is such a beautiful post and a great reminder of the perfect Valentine that any of us can have is God's love. It's unconditional and unwaivering!

    Please make sure to stop by my blog today to enter a great giveaway.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ms.DaisyFebruary 15, 2010 at 4:04 PM

    Such a beautiful expression of love - reaching out to Karen and letting her know that God truly lovess her - no matter what! Thanks for sharing this with us.


    Blessings,
    Jean

    ReplyDelete
  29. KayFebruary 17, 2010 at 7:49 PM

    Mary, it's as if you turned to me jsut now and said "Jesus wants you to know how very much He loves you!" Oh how I want to pass along your good example - so good!! AMEN.

    ReplyDelete

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