Love is the most important gift we'll give during our lifetime. More than a one-time extravagance, it's genuine, ongoing assurance we express through our words and actions. There are many priceless gifts that find their roots in love. Forgiveness, trust, friendship, kindness, and sacrifice. Each one is a vital piece of a beautiful whole.

I read a story that described love in a simple yet moving way. A group of elementary students were asked to honor a teacher who had passed away by drawing a picture of something that reminded them of her. One young boy finished his work of art quickly. When asked why he colored the entire page red, he explained, "I wanted to draw a picture of her heart-but it was too big for the paper." What a wonderful way to be remembered.

By giving unconditional love to others we begin to understand how deeply God loves us. It's a gift that doesn't always align with our emotions, energy, or time. We love others because God loves us so graciously. Merit isn't an issue with God, nor should it be with us. We should give love so generously that it becomes a part of who we are and a reflection of Who we serve.

Above all, we need to love the people God brings into our lives. Love is a gift God gives to us in infinite measure so that our hearts can enjoy an endless supply. Let's tap into it. Let's lavish it on others. Let's fill our words and define our actions with it - and as we do our hearts will reap God's abundance. He'll always give more than we can fathom and more than we can possibly give away. And though it appears to be packaged in heart-shaped boxes and glass vases as we celebrate on Valentine's Day, love will always find its purest expression through words and deeds - as our heavenly Father exemplified through His gift of Jesus Christ. He loved us completely and expressed it openly. We'll discover extraordinary blessings on the path of His example.


Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1 John 3:1

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