When We Love God

Monday - February 14th

Scripture to Read Today: 1 John 4:15-21

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If anyone says, "I love God," but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

1 John 4:20

Three friends who have seen every Super Bowl together hoped for a memorable game this year, as it was likely their final trip to the big game together.

All in their 80s, the three guys have been to every game since the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, which took place 55 years ago, roughly 7 miles (11 kilometers) from this year's venue, SoFi Stadium. They met at the game again this year, but there's no guarantee that they'll meet again in the future.

Don Crisman, the elder of the bunch at 85 years old and a Maine resident, has stated that this is his final game. Gregory Eaton, 82, of Michigan, wants to continue going, but his health worries may prevent him from doing so. Even Tom Henschel, a football lover who spends the winters in Florida, said that Super Bowl LX in 2026 will be his final game.

This year's Super Bowl tickets cost them 400 times what the original tickets cost. But, for these guys, the love they share for the game, and each other surpasses the annual price they pay. Their bond of love for each other sustained their friendship throughout the years.

We think of romantic love on Valentine's Day. But romantic love is only one dimension of love. It is an important dimension, but it is only one. So, I hope you enjoy a memorable time today with your special someone. We often forget that the Bible says love originates from the very character of God. As a matter of fact, the Apostle John declared that "God is love" (1 John 4:16). John went on to say that if we say we love God, we cannot then say we hate our brother (1 John 4:20). When we love God, His love flows through us to others - those we care about.

The three friends who have not yet missed a Super Bowl share something profound. They may love football, but they deeply love each other. After all these years, you would think that their care for each other would have faded. But, yesterday they enjoyed one more game together!

Even as you spend extra time with a particular love in your life today, remember all those with whom you have a special bond of love. Let them know you care. Let them know you love them. Just text, email, or call them. You will make their day if you do so!

When we have been loved by God, and we have loved Him in return, loving others becomes a built-in response.