Category Archives: love

Messages on the love of God

In the Name of Love

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Valentine’s Day often highlights romance: flowers, gifts, candlelit dinners, and carefully curated moments, but scripture presents a deeper, more transformative understanding of love. The Bible does not describe love as fleeting emotion. It describes love as the very true nature of God.

“God is love.” 1 John 4:8

This means love is not merely something God does. It is who He is.

Beautiful young wedding couple standing on the beach

Love Begins with God

We love because He first loved us 1 John 4:19. Before we attempt to love a spouse, a friend, or even lead with integrity in business, we must first receive God’s love. His love is unwavering, unconditional, and faithful.

Two brothers, kiss and love

What Love Actually Looks Like

1 Corinthians 13 gives us the blueprint: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. 

Notice that love is described through action and character, not emotion.

A man walking towards a cross with sunbeams

The Cross: The Greatest Love Story

Jesus is the ultimate example of love. He came to bear our sins upon the Cross and in exchange we receive salvation and eternal life. The only way to God is through Jesus. His name carries power and authority.  There is no other name that carries love, forgiveness, healing and peace. His grace and mercy in new every morning.

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:13

A green highway sign with the word Divorce on it.

Due to the pressures in the world, it’s challenging to override the stress that’s hitting families on all levels. The overall U.S. divorce rate is about 2.3–2.4 divorces per 1,000 people annually (2023 provisional data from CDC/NCHS). That translates to roughly 670,000+ divorces per year. Divorce rates have declined steadily over recent decades, reaching the lowest levels in about 50 years compared with the early 2000s and 1980s. (data based on Chat GPT)

Disabled senior woman in wheelchair at home in her living room, with her young daughter caring for her.

Love in Every Season

The cross is the ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love. It reminds us that love gives, even when it costs.

Whether single, married, waiting, rebuilding, or content, your identity is not defined by your relationship status. You are already loved completely by God.

Valentine’s Day is not just about romance; it’s about reflecting the love we have first received.

Practical Ways to Reflect God’s Love

  • Offer forgiveness
  • Extend grace
  • Serve quietly
  • Encourage intentionally
  • Choose patience over pride

When our love mirrors heaven, it shifts the environment in our homes, our leadership, and our influence to impact the world.

May Valentine’s Day be a reminder of God’s love and may your love be more than a sentiment or an emotion. Let your life be a reflection of the Bible lived out loud daily.

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Related Bible Verses

John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Romans 12:10

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

John 15:9

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Deut 6:4-5

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Eph 4:2

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

Psalm 33:4-5

For the word of the Lord is right and true;
    he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Eph 5:2-6

2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

1 Corth 13:6-7

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

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In the Reflection of Our Father: Celebrating the Quiet Strength of Fatherhood

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Father and child

The divine role of a man in their household has been watered down by society. Due to the breakdown in the family that has been a gradual process over decades, men have lost their identity, function and position in the family. The established role that the Lord created for men has become blurred lines in relation to the roles between husband and wife.

In the Garden of Eden, a man was created in His own image. In the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them. Gen 1:27 A woman was created as a helpmate. Gen 1:20-24

Bird flying across the ocean

“Let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Gen 1:26

The Lord established the man to be the head of the household. He was designed to lead with Godly wisdom, authority and integrity. He was not created to take advantage of his own strength and power to dominate but to lead with holiness, authority and dominion.

When women began to work outside of the home, it shifted the whole dynamics of the family structure and foundation. There was a constant power struggle between the husband and wife which applied pressure on the family not to mention societal and economic pressures. Not only was there a power struggle, but there was an identity crisis, character flaws and a lack of Biblical values and principles established to build a strong foundation. With the rise of inflation, it’s nearly impossible to have only one source of income in the household. This has added financial conflicts, tension, anxiety and increased stress levels in the family.

In Esphesian 5:25-27, it states, “25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

In an act of obedience and commitment, the foundation established by a strong family result in raising up disciplined and respectful children.

little girl with soccer ball

“Train up a child in which way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov 22:6

The importance of instruction, discipline, obedience and guidance in raising a child in their early stages of life reflects the Lord’s natural and spiritual design and intentions for the family.

The role of a father is one of great sacrifice and dedication to the family. He has great responsibility and many heavy burdens that should be released to the Lord to carry – not only financially but mentally, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

infant hand holding father's hand

As we honor Father’s Day, may we celebrate the strength and endurance of the men who lead with dignity, wisdom and strength in a world that is constantly changing and with the demands and pressures of life that are fierce to undertake.

family walking in sunset in a field

Prayer for Our Fathers

For the fathers who have lost children, may the Lord comfort and strengthen you in your time of grief. May you receive courage, support and encouragement to fill the pain and void in your life.

May you walk with the hand of the Father who guides every step you take and every decision you make. May you desire a deeper relationship with the Lord to overcome every challenge, opposition or temptation that you face. May the hand of God shield and protect you and your family from any harm or danger as you walk in faith and lead with integrity, courage and tenacity in every area- family, business and life.. With trust and assurance, may you receive the provision and abundant blessings of peace, rest and grace to sustain you.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Related Bible Verses

Eph 6:1-4

Eph 3:17-19

Exodus 20:12

Psalm 103:13

Luke 15:18-20

Prov 22:6

Prov 23:24

Prov 20:7

Cradled in Grace: A Mother’s Love Through the Heart of God

Posted on by yolandaberry
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newborn baby, holding baby

Photo image by Pixabay Sherwood

Mothers are a reflection of God’s love. Unfortunately, not all mothers have the same heart and intentions for their children. It’s heartbreaking to hear stories of abuse, neglect, rejection, and abandonment.

On the other side of the spectrum, Mother’s Day magnifies the heartache and pain of losing a child. For women who’ve lost their son or daughter through sickness, drug addiction, suicide, gun violence or a tragic accident, you are not forgotten. You may find support for your loved one at The Angel Mom Collective and SayTheirNamesMonuments. May the Lord strengthen and comfort all mothers grieving the loss of a child.

The qualities of a mother embodies genuine love, sacrifice, wisdom, compassion, strength and nurturing characteristics.

In Proverbs 31:26-30, it states, “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

We are living in a time where mothers are under extreme pressure to raise their children. Their focus to protect them from physical harm and danger as well as implement online safety measures leaves mothers with profound anxieties and fears.

flower,

Photo image by Pixabay MrBassDeluxe

When you can shift your focus to the Lord’s protection and guidance and teach them Biblical values and morals when they’re young, the Lord will continuously chase after that one child all the days of their life. A child void of the absence of God is in extreme danger of the devices, plots and schemes of the enemy. When they are not raised with a spiritual foundation, they are led into the world that will eventually devour their life because they were not given the spiritual tools to overcome sin, temptations of the flesh, understand their identity in Christ, stand in faith, develop resilience in hardship and fight spiritual warfare.

The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I have come to give you life more abundantly.

John 10:10

If you are a young mother or currently pregnant, I encourage you to build a strong foundation on the Word of God. When a child is born, it’s important to baptize and christen a baby for spiritual covering and protection. When they’re older, they will have the opportunity to make a decision to be baptized in the Holy Spirit in a public declaration and receive salvation as a confession of true repentance.

Photo image by Pixabay Biglinker

Spiritual practice and teaching start at the home. Unfortunately, some adults are acting out as bad as children. Making sound decisions, being respectful to others, showing appreciation and living honorably is a commodity. The fruits of the spirit which consists of love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are in high demand in society.

As parents, you should reflect a spiritual nature as a role model for your children. Children are like sponges and will absorb the same characteristics and qualities that they see in their lives. They are highly influenced by their environment and with the impact of information at their fingertips through the internet and social media, it’s making it harder to regulate what your child is exposed to and if they are living in a toxic and unstable environment, they will also mirror the same values and attributes.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, some children are very disrespectful to their parents, authority figures, and adults, in general. There is a deteriorating of morals, values and Biblical principles. This problem is infecting out social and educational system. It’s like a viral cancer that has spread across the nation.

community service, children

It will take community to repair the damage of the moral decay that we are currently experiencing in this country and around the globe. The famous saying, “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” is just an example of what’s needed at this time.

As we celebrate and honor mothers for their sacrifice, hard work, generosity, selflessness, strength and dedication, let us grow a as a community [in unity] to reflect the love of Christ everywhere we go. As the world continues to rapidly change, we must stand in agreement with God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

Mothers have great purpose and responsibilities to their children’s upbringing and household. Their sphere of influence sometimes goes unnoticed, and they may feel unappreciated. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us reflect on all they have done and all that they will do. Also, if you’ve lost your mother and grieving her loss, may you hold and treasure the memories, let go of any unresolved issues of anger, pain, resentment or bitterness and embrace her everlasting love.

Happy Mother’s Day!

May peace be upon you.

Bible Verses and Mediatation

Prov 31: 10-31

Psalm 139:13-14

Psalm 127:3

Exodus 20:12

Deut 5:16

Prov 1:8-9

A Reflection of God’s Love

Isaiah 66:13

Isaiah 49:15