Love that must keep loving

Being close to Valentine’s day, I spoke to a group this week on love. Of all the attributes we study, Love is the most important. “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved (ahab) you with an everlasting love (ahab); I have drawn you with loving-kindness (Chesed).’” Jeremiah 31:3

In the Hebrew there are two words for love. These represent two kinds of Love:
The first word is “ahab.” “Ahab” is tender, endearing love such as between members of a family, between friends, or even for our favorite type of food. Greek words for this type of love include “eros” and “phileo.”
The second word, “chesed” represents steadfast covenant love. This love is deeper than a kind love. It is a driven love. A love we feel obligation to give. It is a love that must keep loving. This is the “agape” love of the New Testament.
One writer said, “Chesed translated as kindness is often thought of as being synonymous with niceness, but the connotation of Chesed is much deeper. Chesed can be properly described as an act that has no ‘cause.’”

We need both kinds of love in life. Where would life be without “ahab” or romantic love? Where would we be without endearing love. “Isaac …married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her.” Ge 24:47
But Love must continues, even in the hard times. That is committed Love. "’Don't be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness (Chesed) for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’" 2 Samuel 9:7

The Lord Himself is our example of Love and compassion. The Lord Himself is the love which draws us to salvation. “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Continuing love that lifts us up, grows our character and changes us when we fall . . . And remains even to eternity - "In your unfailing love (Chesed) you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Eodus 15:13 And “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love (Chesed) endures forever.” 1Chronicles 16:34

In our marriages we need (ahab) tender, endearing love:
“Jacob was in love (ahab) with Rachel and said, ‘I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.’" Gen. 29:18 And we need the love that goes the distance: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Cor. 13:4-7

In our churches we need Love moved by the moment (ahab) – to help those who have huge needs … And Love (agape) that will remain involved long term – even Senior Adults in the nursery. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph 4:2
So where is your love . . . How will you grow in love

For God so loved the world that He gave … for eternal life.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7