The Greatest Love

Bible Reading: John 3:16-18; Romans 8:35-39

Mom greeted Ben at the front door with a heart-shaped cookie and some pink milk to go with it. “How was your Valentine’s Day party at school?” she asked.

Ben sat down at the table and took a big gulp of milk before he answered. “It was fun. We even got to play bingo.”

“That’s nice,” said Mom. “Is something bothering you? You look a little sad.”

“It’s just…I didn’t get a Valentine from Katie,” Ben admitted with a frown. “I worked so hard on hers. I made it more special than anyone’s!”

“Oh, I’m sorry Ben.” Mom gave him a squeeze. “I know you made hers extra special. Did I ever tell you about the time Dad forgot it was Valentine’s Day?”

“No,” Ben answered with wide eyes. “What happened?”

“Well, I got him something very special, and he felt so bad because he forgot to get me something,” Mom replied.

“Were you upset?”

“I was disappointed,” Mom admitted, “until I thought about how I had already received the best Valentine’s Day gift in the whole world.”

“From who?” Ben asked curiously.

“From God,” Mom answered. “Remember the verse you learned in church—John 3:16? God loved you, me, and everyone else in the world so much that He gave us His one and only Son. When we trust Him as our Savior, we receive the greatest gift of love—eternal life. We become part of God’s family and will be with Jesus forever.”

“I get it, Mom,” Ben said thoughtfully. “Even when people on earth disappoint us, God’s love for us never fails.”

“Right!” Mom dunked her cookie in a glass of milk. “God’s Word tells us that nothing in all creation can separate us from His love. And His love is perfect! Jesus will never disappoint us or let us down.”

Ben popped a milk-soaked cookie piece into his mouth. “Thanks, Mom. Even though I didn’t get anything from Katie today, I’ll remember that God has already given me the best Valentine’s Day gift of all.” – Savannah Coleman

How About You?

Have you ever been disappointed by someone’s lack of love? Human love is never perfect. Only God’s love is unfailing. He showed His perfect love for us by giving us the perfect gift—the gift of His Son, Jesus, who died to take away our sins. Look to Him for a love that will never fail you, no matter what.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God’s love is the greatest love