Mar 16 – Love Is Strong !

“Love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame” (Song of Solomon 8:6).

Among all the weapons in this world, love is the strongest. Moved by love, a mother is ready to make any sacrifice for her child. Moved by love, young couples willingly yield to one another and make many sacrifices. Of all the noble qualities found in a human being, love is the most precious.

When we meditate on the love of Christ, we realize that it is the greatest sacrificial love. What a sacrifice it was for Him to leave heaven and come down to earth! What a sacrifice to bear the heavy cross for us! What immense love to pour out even His last drop of blood on our behalf!

The Lord says: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3).

From His love flow His compassion, mercy, grace, and kindness. His love is selfless. It is divine. It is without hypocrisy.

During the Second World War, when Mussolini ruled Italy as a powerful dictator, a young woman was deeply moved by his bold exploits. She loved him intensely, made many sacrifices, and eventually married him.

Soon, internal civil unrest and external conflicts arose. One day, when Mussolini’s house was surrounded and an assassin came to kill him, this woman stepped in front of him and shielded him with her own body. “If you must kill, then kill me—but spare him!” she cried. The assassin showed no mercy. The bullet struck the young woman and ended her life. Yet nothing could end her love. Embracing Mussolini, she died. Even today, her sacrificial love is remembered.

How much greater is the love of our Lord! To save you from sin and from the curse, He took upon Himself the punishment that should have fallen on you. He became your refuge and shield. What an immeasurable sacrifice—to bear your judgment in your place!

Dear children of God, never forget that the Lord’s love is a protecting love. It guards you, shields you, and keeps you safe.

Verse for further meditation: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2).