The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

AGAPE LOVE, and NOT THE LUST

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life
John 3: 16
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The popular February 14 referred to as lover’s day is already buzzing; of course tomorrow being another one. Record has it that during the 3rd century in the Roman Empire when Emperor Claudius II reigned, he banned all marriages and engagements because he felt single men made better soldiers, and he needed men to be drafted into the army. However, a priest by name Valentine realizing the injustice of the decree defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Some historians say he was executed when he was caught on February 14, year 270 (AD), while some other accounts says Valentine was jailed and while in prison, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter who often visited him in the cell. Before his execution, he sent her a letter and signed it “from your Valentine” and thus began a history of Valentine becoming a symbol of love and lovers’ day throughout the world.

King Solomon who had experienced different levels of love wrote in Proverbs 9:13-17. That the adulteress says to foolish (simple) men; “stolen waters are sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant”. Proverbs 9 vs. 17.

The media, (television, radio, magazines, newspapers etc.) glamourise lust and call it love; movies glorify the passion of having an affair outside marriage, co-habitation between unmarried men and women is talked about as a normal thing, such that purity during courtship is seen as abnormal! But the Bible says the guests of sexual immorality are in the depths of hell Proverbs 9 vs. 18.

There is a Lover that expresses unconditional love towards humanity, His love for us does not fail nor change. Look onto Jesus who loved us while we were yet sinners who is never ashamed of us and promises never to leave or forsake us.

Are you married? “Drink, water from your own cisterns” Prov. 5:15a. Are you engaged? Keep yourself until the day of marriage. That you are single? Wait until the time is right.

Prayer: Lord help me to love you more

Further Reading: Proverbs 9:10--17

Read through the Bible: Genesis 47 & Luke 1:1-38