We all know that Valentineʼs Day is more likely designed by Hallmark than by God. Thereʼs nothing in the Bible about such a “holi- day.” But it doesnʼt hurt to think about love on a cold February day. After all, itʼs part of the definition of God Himself: “God is love” (1 John 4:8 & 16).

Hereʼs the way Jesus laid it out. He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you should love one an- other; even as I have loved you, you should also love one another” (John 13:34).

Why is this commandment called “new?”

The initial standard of love for others was based on our love for ourselves — “love your neighbor as yourself.” But here, Jesus ʻups the anteʼ so-to-speak and makes His love for us the standard. Heʼs the measure of what love is to live up to — and thatʼs something brand new.

Our love for ourselves is uneven, incomplete and sometimes even distorted into selfishness. But Jesusʼ love for people is pure, sacrificial and unconditional. Thereʼs no higher standard to be found.

Throughout the New Testament, we find this standard placarded before us. We are to forgive as Christ forgave, bear burdens like Jesus did, give as Christ gave, and accept others as He accepts us.

This is Godʼs love for us — and our love for Him is translated in the way we love others. We do what is best for them; not necessarily whatʼs best for ourselves. Practicing this kind of love transforms marriages and relationships of all kinds, and makes us more like Christ.

This year, as we make Godʼs mission of reaching lost people our own, letʼs never forget that love is our highest and best motivation.

— Loving you in the Lord,

Pastor Bill Linton