Genesis 3:8, New International Version

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden."

“Love is love.” We have heard that phrase in this century, but what it actually says tells us nothing and explains nothing. Think about this: if we grew up through education and have ever used a dictionary of words, then you should understand what I mean. No one would expect that when you look for the explanation of a word, it simply tells you, “a chair is a chair” or “a table is a table.”

If you Google the meaning of the word chair, this is what the search result says: “A chair is a piece of furniture designed for one person to sit on, typically consisting of a seat, a backrest, and usually four legs or a swivel base.” How much more complicated is love compared with a chair? Surely everyone could answer that question!

So, what is the result if you Google the meaning of love? Here you will find: “Love is a complex emotion and action characterized by deep affection, attachment, and selfless concern for the well-being of others. It is not merely a fleeting feeling, but often a deliberate choice and commitment to prioritize another's growth and happiness.”

There is an explanation, however, it excludes the source. That alone leads us to wondering. Wondering leads to confusion, and confusion leads to frustration. Why? Because the source is not from or in this world, love is from God, and from Him alone.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us … God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among …We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:7-19, NIV)

The world may have an explanation of love, but it can never truly offer love, simply because it cannot give what it does not have. The world fell away from the Lord on the day Adam chose to follow the temptation of the tempter instead of following the instruction from his Creator. When he faced his own fault, he hid from the Lord. The presence of Love no longer walked with him, and mankind no longer dwelled in the presence of Love.

The complete restoration of love between God and man only comes through the reconciling work of Christ. Without receiving Jesus in our hearts, no one can be made perfect in love.

The world cannot explain or offer you the love which is God Himself. No matter how long you try or how hard you try, without receiving Christ and following Him, you will simply be like the Israelites walking through the wilderness for forty years, grumbling and complaining, and in the end being left out of the Promised Land.

You may be born in this world, but you were not created for this world. Jesus loves you. Seek Him, and you will find the truth and the presence of Love!