I REMEMBER, how my perception of love has evolved over the course of my lifetime. I expect that many of you, like me, have an understanding of this emotion, this feeling, this disposition that is an improvement over what it was some years ago. Since this is the month in which Valentine is a prominent day, this might be an appropriate time for us to examine just where we are relative to this most important matter. So let’s look at some different “types” of love and at how a person might respond to one who holds to that particular expression of love.

Let’s begin with what we might call “selfish” love. This is the kind of love that one looks for because of how it might please or benefit him. “What can I get out of this” is prominent in the thinking of such a person. These individuals are concerned only with getting, and give almost no thought to giving. Unfortunately, some, perhaps many, never advance beyond this adolescent concept of what love really is. Although this approach to love may be permissible for young children at Christmas, it is unattractive most other times. Eventually, this approach to love will almost certainly result in a feeling of being used, which would likely give rise to resentment. James & John wanting Jesus’ favor for high positions in the Kingdom is an example of this “selfish” love; their concern was only for what was beneficial to them.

A more benevolent love is that which is shown by doing things to enhance the well-being of another; we might label this “charitable” love. A possible and only benefit of this love could be brownie points with one we hope to impress along with a reputation of being kind and generous. We generally appreciate and respect the person who meets this standard.

A type of love that all of us are desirous of experiencing and that has been so valuable and enriching to me has been the affectionate, attentive care of my family. The blessing of the love of one’s spouse and one’s children and grandchildren is beyond description and an individual who experiences such is fortunate indeed. This mutual concern and caring in a family contributes enormously to the emotional and spiritual well-being of all its members, helping one another to effectively cope with the challenges of life.

Then there is that love which draws individuals to one another because they share common interests and goals. We could dub this “friendship love.” We “love” others because we “love” the same things that they love. Tiger fans might be especially harmonious when the Alabama football team is in town, but the harmony can be shattered where there are significant political differences – then this “love” can dissipate pretty fast. Despite the fact that there might be a number of things which we may have in common, there are likely just as many things with which we disagree. A Valentine would probably desire a more stable love.

Closely in tune with familial love is that which exists between God and His children. The love of God is so awesome that it defies comprehension. The apostle John expressed it this way: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” If giving is a qualification of genuine love, God the Father meets and exceeds the requirement. But for His love to have its desired effect, the recipient must respond in kind. What does our response look like? Jesus gave the answer when He said, “If you love me, you will obey me.´(John 14:15). God loves, so He gives; and He gives us His Best! We respond to this awesome love by giving Him our loyal obedience, know that His commands spring from a heart that always acts based on His love for us. And it is no surprise that His prime commandment is, “Love one another!” When we are striving to obey our Lord, a genuine love for others will be one important result! May our Valentine’s Day this year be filled with His love for us and marked by our love for Him and for one another.