Our Blog

The Word of God is Revealed to Those Who Know Him

In last week's post (that you can read here), we established that those who are faithful and whose hearts are founded in God’s Words are able to decipher and understand His messages. We shared the following scriptures from the Parable of the Sower that emphasized this point: 

+

“Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

Matthew 13:11-12

+

“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Matthew 13:16-17

+

He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables”

Mark 4:11

+

He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others, I speak in parables”

Luke 8:10

+

To further highlight that Jesus used parables as a way to conceal and reveal:

+

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:

“I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Matthew 13:34-35 

+

Jesus is referring to: 

+

I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

Psalm 78:2

+

This week, we will expand on the mysteries of God’s Word being unearthed.

Mysteries In The Old Testament 

+

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise

Proverbs 1:5-6

+

Throughout the Old Testament, God reveals His mysteries to those who follow His law. Only His most righteous followers were granted special authority to receive revelation so that they could teach and spread His word. 

+

Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

Amos 3:7

+

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Deuteronomy 29:29

+

The individuals who hardened their hearts toward God were unable to comprehend the vital implications of the law. 

+

Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.

Ezekiel 12:2

+

They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see,

    and their minds closed so they cannot understand.

Isaiah 44:18

+

Chapter two in the Book of Daniel provides an instance where God revealed Himself.  During his second year of reign, King Nebuchadnezzar began having dreams that left him to endure fitful sleep. He reached out to magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers in hopes that they could interpret his dreams. The men were unable to interpret the dreams, and the king wanted Daniel and his friends to execute the men. Daniel couldn’t understand the harsh punishment that the king had issued, so he went to the king and offered to interpret the dreams. Daniel was fearful that if he could not interpret the dreams, he and his friends might also be ordered to be executed. So Daniel did what he thought best, and reached out to God:

+

He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:

You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

Daniel 2:18-23

+

Because of Daniel’s faith, God revealed the meaning of the dreams to him. Daniel went forth to the king and gave an interpretation. 

+

Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these:

“As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.

Daniel 2:27-30

Afterward, the king was so pleased with Daniel and declared:

+

The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”

Daniel 2:47

+

Daniel’s faithfulness, righteousness, and willingness to turn toward God permitted God to reveal Himself to Daniel. Daniel’s account is just one of many within the Old Testament. 

Mysteries In The New Testament

+

For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.

Mark 4:22

+

The promise that everything hidden will be unveiled is all throughout the New Testament (example: Matthew 10:26-27, Luke 8:17).

But as the hour of His death neared, Jesus began to speak plainly to His disciples. 

+

Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.

John 16:25

+

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

Mark 8:31-32

+

Christ taught His disciples so that when His time on Earth came to an end, the Word of God would continue to be taught. 

+

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Matthew 11:25-27

+

After Christ’s death, the disciples built up churches and the Christian faith. They revealed the mysteries Jesus had bestowed to all who would listen (also see Ephesians 3:3-6, Romans 16:25-26, Titus 1:1-3, Ephesians 3:8-9, Colossians 2:2-3).

+

He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Ephesians 1:9-10

+

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 

Colossians 1:25-26

+

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:20-21

+

Through Christ, We Can Know the Truth

+

“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

“I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

“But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

John 5:36-47

+

Those who followed the law in the Old Testament were able to receive revelation through God. But once Christ came to Earth, faith in Him and His teachings became the pivotal condition to unlocking the meaning of the scriptures and heavenly mysteries. Christ became the Word, and through Him, we will know the truth. 

+

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14

+

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 

1 Timothy 2:3-6

+

No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:7-16

+

But Sometimes, We May Need Some Additional Support

Even today, God’s messages are concealed. Sometimes, you may have difficulty understanding a certain chapter in the Bible, or you might struggle with relating and connecting to a Biblical event. Don’t let that deter you. Even Christ’s twelve disciples needed some extra explanation to help them discern His messages. 

+

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Mark 4:33-34

+

It is important to note that despite requiring supplemental clarification, the disciples were privileged to receive it. In contrast to those who couldn’t comprehend Christ’s messages, His disciples were able to be taught and understand. In fact, they were eager to understand and learn. There are multiple instances where once in private, the disciples inquired of Jesus to further explain His messages (Mark 10:10, Mark 9:28, Luke 8:9, Matthew 13:36, just to name a few). His disciples needing further explanation emphasize the point that man is imperfect, and we need to lean on God. 

Even after His time on Earth, His disciples continued to seek His guidance.

+

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel

Ephesians 6:19

+

Wrapping Up

+

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you lose on earth will be lost in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Matthew 16:16-20

+

Christ is the fundamental panacea to obtaining insight into God’s mysteries. Continue to read your scriptures, attend worship, and pray for the ability to understand. Build your relationship with God, and He will unveil His sacred mysteries to you.

Bible Verses for all that the Spring Season Encompasses

As the warmth sets out to defrost the earth, the birds begin to grace us with their merry songs, the fauna brings about new life, and the vegetation begins to sprout. Restlessness dissolves into a newfound sense of energy as humankind starts to venture outside to delight in the rebirth that springtime initiates. Cheerful laughter fills the air as families gather at parks, and the sidewalks begin to fill with brightly colored masterpieces; chalky residue smear tiny fingertips. Bees buzz diligently about, and soft breezes whirl and carry off fallen seeds of trees; gently transporting them to their new homes where they will settle and flourish. Brilliant colors paint the hillside as fragrant flowers bud and blossom, while the nooks and crevices at home are spritzed and wiped down; the dust bunnies cleared away. Old clothes get sorted and donated to those who have more use for them, and winter attire is neatly packed away. The serene murmur of rivers is heard as they reawaken from their icy confinement. Twigs and grass are collected as hopeful avians build their nests for their eggs. Spring marks the end of hibernation, the beasts wake from their restful slumber, and the heat of the sun fills life with zeal and excitement. Soft giggles echo through the atmosphere while toddlers run and splash through puddles, triumphant applause roars as colorful kites soar across the sky, and iridescent bubbles float freely away as they depart the loop of a plastic wand. Butterflies flitter garden to garden alongside the cherry red ladybugs that casually stroll among the greenery. Rosy cheeks balloon before the exhale of breath is vigorously released, prompting the tiny white seeds of dandelions to dance around the man-made zephyr, while the culprit gleefully makes a wish. Red checkered blankets are laid across freshly trimmed grass as couples leisurely slow down and bask in one another’s company; holding hands and sharing their aspirations with one another, as wispy clouds lazily saunter above. 

As Christians, we know spring represents more than the pleasant sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, a feeling far more prominent than the welcomed touch of the sun kissing our skin. Spring signifies a deeper and greater appreciation for new life, transformation, rebirth, renewal, growth, new beginnings, hope, restorations, promises, progress, and cleansing. Spring symbolizes God’s promise of eternal life. It is a reminder of Christ's love and sacrifice. It is the time to rejuvenate our spiritual health. It’s the time to start anew. 

That is why we have collected scriptures from the Bible that capture the remarkable beauty and transformation of the season. The verses will encourage the spiritual meaning that embodies springtime. 

Bible Verses for Springtime

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;  it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. Songs of Songs 2:11-13

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:3-4

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. Proverbs 16:15

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. Deuteronomy 32:2

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:1-10

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 3:6

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old. Lamentations 5:21

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign,  that will endure forever. Isaiah 55:10-13

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26

Praise the Lord, my soul,  and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2-5

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22

Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches. Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. Joel 2:22-24

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:4-7

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:3

Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning. Psalm 90:5

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12

A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. Zechariah 10:1

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, or his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. Psalm 104:30

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul—then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14

All Things Considered

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

Christ assures us that He will make everything new. This includes those eager and willing to listen and live by His teachings. It is through Him that we will be restored!

-Torrance Church of Christ

27 Bible Verses For Valentine's Day

Love is a prevailing theme throughout the Bible. The Bible teaches us that the most important approach to take in life is to approach it with love. We are commanded to respond to and interact with others and situations wearing love-lensed glasses. Jesus teaches us that loving one another is the greatest commandment. Furthermore, God’s love for us is felt throughout His doctrine. 

In observation of this upcoming Valentines Day, we thought it would not only be fun but also insightful to collect and share Bible verses that highlight His resounding message of love. As an added bonus, we’ve included quotes about love with respect to the Christian lifestyle. 

The Verses

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

-Ephesians 4:2

~

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

-1 Peter 4:8

~

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

-1 John 4:8

~

 How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights!

-Song of Solomon 7:6

~

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

-Romans 12:9

~

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

-Proverbs 10:12

~

How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful!  Your eyes are doves.

-Song of Solomon 1:15

~

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

~

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

-Proverbs 3:3

~

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!

-Song of Solomon 4:10

~

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

-Mark 10:9

~

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

-Romans 13:10

~

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

-1 John 4:18

~

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves

-Philippians 2:3

~

 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

-Psalm 85:10

~

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

-1 Corinthians 13:4-7

~

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

-Ephesians 5:33

~

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

-Song of Solomon 4:7

~

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

-Romans 12:10

~

We love because He first loved us.

-1 John 4:19

~

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

-1 Corinthians 13:13

~

 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth- for your love is more delightful than wine.

-Song of Solomon 1:2

~

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 

-1 John 4:16

~

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

-Proverbs 31:10

~

Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.

-Song of Solomon 8:7

~

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

-Colossians 3:14

~

Do everything in love.

-1 Corinthians 16:14

~

The Quotes

Never procrastinate in showing love. Don’t delay. Don’t put it off. Do it now. 

Rick Warren

~

Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. 

Mother Teresa

~

Being loved is life’s second greatest blessing; loving is the greatest. 

Jack Hyles

~

Real love, the Bible says, instinctively desired permanence. 

Timothy Keller

~

When you are filled with love, and you are busy loving, you have no time to fear. 

Michael Caputo

~

When couples love God first, they love each other better. 

Brela Delahoussaye

~

Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did. 

C.S. Lewis

~

The measure of love is to live without measuring.

Saint Augustine

~

When God brought the first man his spouse, He brought him not just a lover but the friend his heart has been seeking. 

Timothy Keller

~

When God made a woman, He took her from the rib of the man. One function of the rib is to protect the heart. In the same way, women should protect her man’s heart, careful not to use words or do things to hurt it. 

Unknown

~

The more we love, the more love we have to offer. So it is with God’s love for us. It is inexhaustible. 

Mary C. Neal

~

If we claim to love God, but don’t love each other, our love is nothing and meaningless. 

David Alley

~

Faith makes all things possible. Love makes all things easy. 

Dwight L. Moody

~

The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now. 

Rick Warren

~

The overriding character trait of Jesus is love, and the entire Gospel story is woven with love. Sometimes it’s not easy, and oftentimes it requires sacrifice, but it’s when we love that we are the most like Jesus. 

Steven Furtick

~

As God by creation made two of the one, so again by marriage, He made one of the two. 

Thomas Adams

~

Where love is, God is. 

Henry Drummond

~

Think on these two powerful points: Lean on God in every situation and love others as unselfishly as you possibly can.

Joyce Meyer

~

For instance, God teaches us to love by putting some unlovely people around us. It takes no character to love people who are lovely and loving you. 

Rick Warren

~

Love is worthless unless it acts out, unless it’s expressed in deed and behavior. 

Dr. David Jeremiah

~

Intense love does not measure, it just gives. 

Mother Teresa

~

Love has a quality that it becomes stronger as the time passes. 

Adam Green

~

To Love another person is to see the peace of God. 

Victor Hugo

~

Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service.

Jack Hyles

~

Love pays attention. Love listens to the fears and the doubts of others and treats them with respect. Love accepts others the way Jesus accepts us. 

Rick Warren

~

Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do. 

David Wilkerson

~

To love someone means to see him as God intended him. 

Fyodor Dostoevsky

~

Lastly

Spread His love by adding a verse or two to Valentine's cards for a special someone, a friend, or anyone else you feel inspired to uplift. Ruminate on the verses and their meanings. Let His word guide you and lead you down a path of unconditional love. 

- Torrance Church of Christ

Previous12