welcome you to this fresh month-our month of Walking in Love! Love is a word that captivates hearts, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and misapplied concepts in life. It is the foundation of God's nature, the desire of every soul, and the most preached yet least practiced virtue. Love is what sustains relationships, strengthens marriages, unites communities, and enriches our spiritual walk. This month, as we reflect on the significance of love, may our hearts be stirred to love God and humanity better. Packaged in the love of God this month are three powerful Christian festivals, the celebration of triumphant entry of Jesus, the Good Friday and the Resurrection of Jesus aka Easter Sunday!

Jesus' triumphal entry signified breaking the chains of sin and oppression. Jesus entering your life your heart, your marriage your business if you permit. Good Friday represents the ultimate deliverance-Jesus bore our sins, sicknesses, and burdens on the cross. His blood speaks freedom (Hebrews 12:24). His death secured our ultimate breakthrough from the bondage of sin and death (Colossians 2:14-15). The resurrection happened on the third day, just as Jesus prophesied. What seemed like a delay was God's perfect timing (Luke 24:6-7). The stone was rolled away symbolising that your hindrances, shame bareness, failure, poverty were rolled away and you have access to salvation and prosperity. The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest act of divine intervention-God raised Him from the dead, changing the course of history forever (Romans 8:11) and confirming that canal death is not the end of our life, there will be a resurrection morning for those that shall embrace the love of God and walk in it.

What is Love?

Paul provides a profound description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (MSG): "Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't strut. Love doesn't force itself on others. Love takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. Love trusts God always. Love always looks for the best. Love never looks back but keeps going to the end." The Bible says God is Love!

Love is a strong and positive force that encompasses kindness, compassion, and affection. The Greeks classified love into different types:

Eros - Romantic love, essential for marriage and procreation.

Philia - Friendship love, necessary for support and community.

Agape - Divine love, the unconditional love of God for humanity.

Why Love?

Love is the oil that lubricates life's engine. Without love, marriages crumble, friendships fade, and societies become chaotic. Let's examine three key aspects of love:

1. Eros - Romantic Love

This love sustains marriages. It is not merely about physical attraction but about commitment and sacrifice. Just as a car needs fuel, a marriage needs love to thrive. Many marriages fail because the essence of Eros is lost. Love must be nurtured beyond words-it must be shown in actions that build trust and understanding.

2. Philia - Friendly Love

Friendship is vital for survival. No one thrives in isolation. Whether in family, business, or church, friendly love sustains relationships and strengthens communities. Jesus emphasized this love when He said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13) True friendship is built on sincerity, loyalty, and support.

3. Agape - Divine Love

This is the highest form of love-the love that God has for us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." (John 3:16) Agape love is unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless. It calls us to love even when it is inconvenient.

The Redemption Story - Love Beyond Measure

The greatest expression of Agape love is seen in Jesus Christ, who willingly came to die for our sins so that we might have eternal life. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This love was not dependent on our goodness or worthiness but solely on God's grace and mercy. Jesus endured betrayal, suffering, and the cross because of His deep love for humanity. His resurrection signifies the ultimate victory of love over sin and death.

Biblical Examples of God's Love in Action

Apart from Jesus, other biblical figures demonstrated God's love in profound ways:

Joseph - Despite being betrayed by his brothers, he forgave them and provided for them, demonstrating God's love and forgiveness (Genesis 45:4-7).

Hosea - The prophet who continued to love and redeem his unfaithful wife, symbolizing God's relentless love for Israel (Hosea 3:1-3).

Stephen - As he was being stoned to death, he prayed for his persecutors, just as Jesus did on the cross (Acts 7:59-60).

How to Walk in Love

Many claim to love, yet their actions speak otherwise. Love is not just a feeling; it is a deliberate choice and commitment. To walk in love:

Imitate God - "Be imitators of God, as dear children. And walk in love." (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Resist selfish tendencies - Choose selflessness over personal gain.

Maintain a close relationship with God - Love grows in His presence.

Acknowledge God's love for you - When you understand how deeply God loves you, it becomes easier to love others.

Refuse to retaliate - Choose forgiveness over revenge. Walking in love means taking the high road.

Conclusion

Love must be intentional. It must be expressed not only in words but through genuine actions. The Bible says husbands love your wife! Our world desperately needs love-real, sacrificial, and unconditional love. As we journey through this month, let us commit to walking in love-toward God, our families, our communities, and even those who seem unlovable. May this month mark a turning point in our love walk! And as we celebrate Easter, may we always remember the Agape love that brought Jesus to the cross, and the victory that His resurrection brings to our lives. Let us walk in that love daily, showing others the same grace, mercy, and compassion that Christ has shown us.

Pastor Amos Dada is a trained engineer with the call of a preacher. Lives in Toronto. Reachable at [email protected]