"You Learn To Love Each Other!" (John 3:16)

Many years ago, I worked with a colleague who grew up in India. As we got to know each other, we each shared our respective stories about how we met our spouses. My colleague had an arranged marriage. The vetting process was performed by their parents and extended families. On paper, the two had much in common and had exchanged photos and spoken on the phone. After several months, all that was needed to do was a face to face meeting.

“But what about love?” I asked. “What if you didn’t love him?”

She smiled and replied, “You learn to love each other! Western society puts too much emphasis on this love at first sight, all emotions, all physical attraction. Our way allows us to get to know each other and then fall in love.”

I nodded. She made an excellent point.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (NKJV)

When I first accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, it was only after many months of getting to know Him. I spent hours reading and studying the Bible. I spent numerous evenings in discussion with a dear brother in the Lord who guided me through my first hesitating steps. Slowly, I learned to love Jesus, and one glorious evening, I called out to Him and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.

But there is an important difference between my colleague and her future husband. I learned to love Jesus but Jesus already loved me! My sins kept me from seeing the Truth. I am forever thankful for God’s mercy and grace to bring me into salvation and a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. I love Him because He first loved me!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.