I’m trying to figure out what the word “definition” means. The dictionary says: A short and precise description of an idea or concept. 

So, a definition helps us understand what a word really means. 

And then I wondered … what is the definition of love? Wikipedia gives the following meaning: 
Love is a feeling of strong attraction and emotional attachment to a person, animal, or thing. It is expressed in many forms, encompassing a range of strong and positive emotional and mental states, from the most sublime virtue or good habit, or the deepest interpersonal affection, to the simplest pleasure. It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, oneself, or animals. 

I think one needs many more words to properly describe all the facets and forms of love. I also believe that everyone experiences love in their own way and will therefore give a different definition or example of it. 

Yet there is one definition and example of love that clearly shows the whole world what real love is and means. Jesus, who came to earth and hung on a cross: 9This is how God showed His love for us: God sent His only Son into the world so we might live through Him.  

True love does things that our minds cannot always comprehend. How is it possible that God would send His perfect Son, without sin, to a broken world? How could He allow Jesus to hang on a cross, suffer and die? How could He even let Him descend into hell? 

It doesn’t make sense to us, but that’s what divine love does. It gives everything, even to those who don’t deserve it. 

And the worst of all: How could God do all this for a bunch of sinful people like us? 

Divine love knows no boundaries. It never says: “You are too much of this” or “too little of that” – therefore, you are not worthy of being loved. It has no preconceived ideas. It is not handed out haphazardly. No, divine love shows up for all people. 

Jesus willingly entered the world for the sake of all humanity. For the successful people and the unsuccessful people. For the prominent people and for those who sleep under the stars. 

Jesus died for the sins of every person on earth. The result is that we no longer have to take responsibility for all the mistakes we make. Jesus has already taken the blame for that. 

God’s definition of love isn’t conveyed through words, but through a single, powerful act that says it all: God is love. 

May we live this love. May we say little and do love a lot. May the world experience something of Jesus because we live His love in the world. 

10This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 

Scripture
1 John 4:7-21 

Reflection
What is your definition of love?
Are you living your definition?
How can I live the love I received towards others? 

Prayer
Father, thank You for being the perfect definition of love. Our world needs Your love now more than ever. Help me to not only talk about it, but to truly live it. May others see and experience Your love in everything I say and do. Amen.