Monthly Messages from Sally Weiesnbach, Ark Founder & Director of Operations
It’s Valentine’s Day this month, the “love” month. So let’s talk about Jesus’ only commandment (to love each other as He loves us). How did Jesus love us in relationships with him? How did He ask us to be His? How can we love each other the same way?
Jesus did it this way. He loved God first because 1) He is God, 2) God is His Father, and 3) He fulfilled the law of Moses’ commandments when He obediently did not put other gods before YAHWEH.
What about us? Well, we also have the same reasons to love God first.
1) God created us in His image. We are His image. (Genesis 1:27)
2) Jesus told us several times that God is our Father. One is John 20:17 where He said, “…say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
3) We are told to follow Jesus’ example in many scriptures, like John 13:15 (CSB), “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.”
Singles – Jesus loves us individually. You always have a friend – or a date. He gets in anywhere (with or without reservations). He always has time for you, a listening ear, a kind word, companionship, a reminder that He loves you. He remembers your name, your birthday, your hobbies, and what matters to you. He never abandons you or has a scheduling conflict. Because you are single, you have more time for Him too, so this great relationship can get stronger and more intimate.
Friends – whether you are two or 200, Jesus loves you equally. He’s always ready for an outing or to stay in and chat or watch movies. He doesn’t take sides when you disagree but is your intercessor. He’s always got your back when the world isn’t going your way. gives the best advice. He will forgive you. He is truly your BFF because friendship with Him is eternal.
Married folks – Jesus loves you enough for both of you. He is your mediator – an objective third party who is always focused on you focused on your marriage’s best interest – you two-as-one. He is your example of how to forgive each other. He prays with you and counsels you on finances, parenting, intimacy, romance, fidelity, and sharing responsibilities. You can listen to other advisors but their best words are His principles: a covenant of respect, service, protection, prayer, and priority always.
Jesus loved us completely. He put us first, before angers, disappointments, other people, or activities. He went to weddings, played with children, visited homes. He met us in marketplaces and workplaces like Jerusalem and Capernaeum. Jesus grieved loss of friends and family. He visited the sick and healed them spiritually or physically. He left us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do exactly as He did when physically on the earth. We can love God first, as our God/Creator and Father who made us in His own image. We can use the Holy Spirit’s power. We are then able to love ourselves and others with respect, dignity, kindness, joy, forgiveness, and encouragement. The Lord says , “Be Mine,” so let’s lead with love with Jesus in our relationships this Valentine’s month.