And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13   (NIV)

In February, we put a special emphasis on celebrating LOVE. Of course love is the most important part of our life journey all year long. It is NOT flowers, candy or a box of chocolates. However, there’s been a long tradition of honoring the whole month…especially February 14 with these items of affection.

This past Saturday, I attended our monthly Louisville Christian Writers (LCW) meeting. The theme of our February meeting was, of course LOVE. These men and women are a group of writers, authors and publishers who use their craft in a way that magnifies and brings honor to our God.

LCW was very instrumental in both the writing and publishing of both of my books… The Light Through My Tunnel and The Afflicted Healer. See the tabs on my website (mvarga.com) to get more information or purchase copies.

LCW critiqued each chapter of my books to ensure that my verb tense was correct, my descriptions were appropriate and that I was giving glory to God. Basically, they co-wrote the books with me.

So I decided to get their help on this month’s Life Happens blog. I showed each of them a list of scripture verses on love, and asked for their insights on the best to use.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:34-35  (NIV)

This is the Bible verse they thought most closely mirrored the true meaning of love. We show love for each other because God first loved us. Because of this love we become a part of His family.

So love is NOT getting goose bumps or having a special feeling for someone. It IS putting others’ feelings above our own. It is considering their welfare above our own welfare.

Love is a commandment from our heavenly Father.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:36-39  (NIV)

Dear Lord,

Thank You that we get to celebrate Valentine’s Day every day of our lives. You command us to love others as You have loved us.

Show us how to live this love story every day. Help us to put our love into action.

HAPPY VALENINES DAY!