You Know Me

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."   John 15:13

It's St Valentine's Day today, if any of you were unsure of the date, and I know as a single, post-feminism woman I should be writing a bitter message about how commercialised, old fashioned and sickening this day is. In the past I have held these views, but now as a follower of Christ, I can't help but rejoice at a day dedicated to LOVE. 

After reading back over my previous post, I think I didn't really explain well how fear is overcome. It isn't something that just comes naturally as soon as you come to know God, but is through a recognition of His love and a concious act of faith that He will protect us when we are in those dark places that saves us from fear. Fear is OF this world, which, as Christians we know cannot allow to dictate our lives, but instead we turn to God's love and celebrate that through loving and following Him with our whole being. 

And on a day that is all about the L-word, I couldn't help but think about what it all actually means. Over the weekend, I spent time with people I love very much, friends and family, and I truly feel blessed to have them in my life. But I know that if I relied on their love alone, I would still have days where I feel lonely and unloved. There would still be moments where someone speaks harsh words over me and I believe them. There would be times where I would find myself wishing that I had more relationships, seeking more and more worldly love. 

We humans are obsessed with understanding and analysing love. This is the basis of many novels, songs and films. Looking at my film collection tonight I can see that I have been drawn into this trap (excluding the odd action film or adventure/fantasy series it mostly comprises of romcoms and period dramas). Although it isn't exactly a sin to enjoy these films, it does seem a little ridiculous to base my understanding of a loving relationship on whatever predicament Katherine Hiegl has gotten herself into lately.

The truth is, despite Jane Austen's literary brilliance, she cannot match my Father in heaven or his "Guide to Loving for Dummies" (AKA The Bible). 

Through the Gospel we can learn how to love. Through Christ's example we know that it is unconditional. And through God's grace we know that it is never-ending.

This truth is made even more amazing by the fact that he loves us in spite of our insignificance and sinfulness. The title of this post refers to my favourite song at the moment, "You Know Me" by Bethel Music feat. Steffany Frizzell. The lyrics of this song are hugely powerful and remind me of how far God's love reaches:

You know when I rise, and when I fall

When I come or go, You see it all

You hung the stars and You move the sea

And still you know me

This God, who created the world, and has power over everything surely has more important things to be doing than watching over me? He knows that I turn away from Him, and He knows that I will never be able to love Him back the same way He loves me, yet he still seeks me out. He loved me so much that He suffered and died for me, so that I could be free of chains. He knows everything about me, He knows exactly how I feel, and He knows what I need. 

It's too much to put into words. Except - God is Love!

So as this Valentine's Day is drawing to a close, I'm not going to do what I have done in previous years (eat lots of chocolate and feel sorry for myself). because I know that the love I receive today is far greater than a dozen red roses, or an engagement ring. It will last tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. It will be for eternity. 

God Bless.