“I love you”. What does it mean? If we truly want to understand love, we need to go to the designer, the one who made us. And if we want a clear insight, we need to look at the first time love is mentioned in the Bible, because firsts in God’s Word encapsulate the depth and importance of things. The first time we find love, it’s God speaking to Abraham, and it’s not what we might expect: “Take your son, your only son, whom you love – Isaac – and…sacrifice him as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Genesis 22:2). Two things jump out, “only son” and “sacrifice”. Love is inextricably intertwined with sacrifice, and this passage points to a sacrifice beyond comprehension. Yet, while testing Abraham’s faith and love, God ultimately does not require it from him. The first time we meet the word love in the New Testament, again it is God speaking: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Again, love and an only Son. And this time, to show what love is, the Father would sacrifice His Son. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Love can be many things – roses, chocolates, romantic meals, but ultimate true love is sacrifice. “I love you”, how will you show this today? (Craig B) Open Bible – https://bit.ly/Gen22v2, https://bit.ly/Mat3v16-17, https://bit.ly/joh3v16
