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The Bible also emphasizes loving one another as it is one of the two greatest commandments. Mark 12:31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Although the Bible does not use the word "cherish" specifically, there are passages that convey similar ideas. For example, Ephesians 5:25-28 , states: " Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself ." This passage emphasizes the idea of cherishing one's spouse, by loving, sacrificing, and valuing them as Christ loved the Church. Proverbs 31:10-12 “ A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” This passage shows the importance of cherishing and valuing a wife. Colossians 3:14 “ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ” This passage also emphasizes the idea of cherishing one another by binding all virtues together with love. As we have read in scripture, the demonstrated love of God, for humanity, is a clear example for couples to emulate in deeds this depth of love by cherishing each other in the same manner. With that being said, it is our responsibility to go beyond The Celebration of Valentine's Day in February, and vow to ourselves and to God, that we will incorporate His example of Sacrificial Cherishing Love for one another.
o cherish someone versus just loving someone can be seen as a deeper depth of LOVE…
What does it mean to cherish? Cherishing someone involves active acts of showing high value, appreciation, car ing, consideration, and respect in the way a person is treated and cared for both privately and publicly. It's an expression of love through actions, not just feelings. Cherishing can be considered an advanced form of love that reaches far beyond the feelings of affection and attachment to someone. The Bible teaches that true love at this depth involves sacrifice! The Bible has many passages that describe love, but perhaps the most mentioned is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 , which states:
"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, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres."
This passage describes love as Selfless, Sacrificial, Intentional, and Unconditional. Additionally, the Bible teaches that the ultimate example of love is God's love for humani ty demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that he gave (Grk: In This MANNER, God Loved the world that HE GAVE…) his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Our prayer for you…
Lord, give us the capacity to love beyond our own ability. We pray for healing and deliverance that will free us from all hidden obstacles in the Mighty Name of Jesus... Amen
Enjoy the Celebration of Love! Blessings, Pastor Ron and LaDonna Roberts
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