The world thinks love = sexual passion. It’s a feeling that sets your whole self on fire; it stops your brain from any kind of discernment. You are smitten, disarmed, floating…

That definition is way too small. Plus, sexual passion can be an action that is totally devoid of love.

However, sexual passion can also be a way we express love. The Bible promotes passionate and physical displays of love. If you’re unsure that this is true, read the Song of Solomon. In 1 Corinthians 5-7, Paul encourages husbands and wives to show this kind of love for each other.

When you love another, your lover is the center of your attention, conversation, and thoughts. You are pained by separation from each other. Sometimes it’s easy; other times it takes hard work and determination to display, recapture, or act as if love has something to do with the two of you. You need to choose to love and continue loving. This is our human reality.

We were created by God to be in a love relationship—with Him! There is a hole inside of us that only He can fill. When His Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, our thoughts, words, and actions are full to overflowing with his joy, peace, and love. We would be lost without Him, but we don’t have to worry. He is faithful.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39. NIV

God’s love is big, huge, beyond comprehension, all-encompassing, eternal… Godly love wills the good of another over His own. Jesus Christ, although perfect, died for all of our sins, even for the sins of those who do not yet believe. He took on the pain, suffering, and death that belong to us because He loves us.

Even at its best, our love is only a tiny reflection that ebbs and flows with circumstances of life.

But, our ability to love grows when we invite the Holy Spirit to live in us. As we continue to open ourselves to His love and His will, the depth and breadth of our love expands because we are His and He is ours.

Love is God’s breath that gives us life. It is the daily bread that eases our hunger. It is the living water that flows into, through, and out of us to splash on others. And in His love, we can also love each other.

Lord, I am yours, and you are mine.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you! Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.
Song of Solomon 1:1-4, NIV