Love is Not Dark Chocolate

I love dark chocolate. I also love my children and grandchildren. I love the beach, and I also love a good steak. Obviously, we use the word love so often it loses special meaning.

Have you ever wondered where love comes from? Would you be surprised to know it comes from God? He is love. God gave us a very unique book called the Bible that contains all the information we need to know who He is and to get to know Him better. God loved us before we loved Him. He created us to have a relationship with Him. He loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross to take the punishment we deserved for all the wrongs we will ever do. God always loves us regardless of the wrong things we think, do, or say that disobey His rules. God’s love is unconditional and forever.

Once we believe Jesus’ death on the cross paid for all the wrongs we will ever do, we have a relationship with God. We feel peace, contentment, and joy that comes from giving Him control and following His plan for our lives. In good times and in bad, we can feel the love of Jesus hugging us, helping us cope with life.

I have experienced this feeling of contentment many times, not the least of which was when I made the decision to forgive men who hurt me. Leaving the hatred and bitterness behind allowed me to move forward in peace and joy. Even now when something comes up that I need to forgive, with God’s help, I am able to do so. I have learned life is much easier without the negatives on board. And I often celebrate with a piece of dark chocolate.

“For even if the mountains walk away
and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won’t walk away from you,
my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.”
The God who has compassion on you says so. Isaiah 54:10 MSG