The Light of Love

      Red heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, flowers, and cards with heartfelt sentiment are tangible ways we use to express our feelings on Valentine's Day.        
​        But in addition to Eros (the Greek term for romantic love), there are three other types of love: Phileo, a strong bond or fondness, such as that of friendship; Storge, the love of one's family, as in a parent's love for a child, and Agape, divine love that comes from God. Eros, Phileo, Storge, and Agape are mentioned in the Bible.    
      The thought of pure love is beautiful, for it conjures up an image of something that is bright, glowing, and full of light. Have you ever  noticed that a candle casts a shadow in daylight, but when the candle is lit, the light that comes from it casts no shadow? The Bible speaks of light and darkness in 1 John 1:5, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. " 
       God's love is so brilliant, so illuminating that we can scarcely even begin to comprehend its fullness.  Imagine His love streaming down and flooding every morsel of your being with light. It's a wonderful and comforting thought, isn't it? After all, it is what He wants for you, to let you know that you are loved. The light of God's love shines brilliantly. Follow His light, for He will lead your way. It's a reason to celebrate--and not just on Valentine's Day.  
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Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8