Every day, we are constantly bombarded with a barrage of numbers, continually evaluating and being evaluated to determine our personal worth. Questions about material possessions, the size of our homes, and our body shape dominate our thoughts. However, amidst this relentless quantification, the true worth of a life dedicated to others cannot be measured. As we come together with our loved ones to celebrate significant moments in life, we must take a moment to pause and reflect on the intangible aspects of life. Even if we could pile up all our regrets – the missed opportunities, unspoken words, impulsive reactions, and the chaos that life brings – the towering heap would still fail to capture the immense heartbreak of never having a second chance to express love. The ultimate measure of our lives is not found in our possessions or outward appearance but rather in the depth and quality of the love we give and receive.
In moments of deep reflection, we realize that the Lord's radiant light encompasses the entire world, shining most brilliantly in places where genuine affection exists.
Let us encourage our cherished companions to nurture love, for it is a sacred gift bestowed upon us from God. Those who embrace love possess a divine essence and establish a profound connection with Him. Conversely, the absence of love signifies a lack of understanding of God, for He is synonymous with love. The narrative then shifts to emphasize that God, in a remarkable display of affection, sent His only Son into the world to dwell among us. This act was not in response to our love for Him but a testament to His limitless love for us. The purpose behind this sacrificial gesture was to cleanse us of our transgressions and repair the harm they had caused in our relationship with God. Within this framework, the true nature of love is revealed, surpassing human standards and embodying the divine.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we should also love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. I John 4:7-12 NIV