(Photo by Sarah Komisky)

A Note From the Editor: February, 2018

By Selma Komisky

As Valentines Day approaches, we think about those we love and want to express that only on rare occasions do we succeed in loving others as Christ loved us. None of us live there consistently. However, in John 13:34, Jesus commands us to love others. The Bible says in the New Living Translation, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

You’re probably thinking, “I don’t think I’m able.”  Yet, God commands us to do it so it is possible! You then probably think to yourself, “Well  how do I love my unlovable husband, my grouchy co-worker, my not-so-friendly teacher or my ex-best friend that gossips about me?” My reply would be that you can’t do it on your own strength. We need the love of the Holy Spirit which is produced in us when we have a relationship with Christ and obey his Word and we begin to love others sacrificially when we depend on His Spirit.

The Bible also says:

“Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2, ASV).

“Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that” (Ephesians 5:2, The Massage).

This month at Marked Ministry, we wanted to show the love of Christ through friendship, our stories, our giving, and through our actions and choices that we make to honor and love God and one another.

We pray you know and experience the love of Jesus this Valentine’s Day.

Selma