Have you ever wondered what love truly looks like? Cadet Malcolm Moumakwe, currently on out-training at Bruntville Corps in the Mid-KZN Division, has been reflecting on this very question. As we celebrate the month of love, Cadet Malcolm is reminded of the greatest love of all – the unwavering, unconditional love of God. In his journey, this love has been his constant companion, teaching him not just how to receive love but how to live it out daily. Through his testimony, the Cadet invites us to explore the depths of God’s love and challenges us to love others with the same compassion and grace that God shows us every day.
As we celebrate the month of love, I’m reminded of the greatest love of all – the love of God. His great love has been my daily experience in my journey as a believer. In 1 John 4:8, Scripture clearly points out this truth about genuine love: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse speaks directly about the heart of God, revealing His character as a loving Father and how we ought to love others in our daily living, despite the different situations and experiences we face.
In my journey of faith, I have come to understand that the love of God is not just a feeling but a choice. God chose to love us, even while we were still sinners. In Romans 5:8, the Apostle Paul wrote, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse has always highlighted the depth of God’s unconditional love for me and all humanity. Through this unfailing love, God sacrificially allowed Christ to be the sacrificial lamb so that all humanity would receive salvation and come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour.
Day by day, especially in these current ministry moments of my out-training, I have continuously reflected on the love of God. I am constantly reminded of His faithfulness, love, mercy, and unending grace. I realize that as I serve God’s people in this part of the vineyard, I need to lead with love and nurture them to love one another as Christ loved us. When we live this way, it becomes “Love in Action.” God has loved me, so I ought to love His people as I lead them.
I thank the Lord for entrusting me to be a shepherd of His flock at such a time as this in the community of Bruntville. In Psalm 136:2-3, it says, “Give thanks to the Lord of lords; His love endures forever. Give thanks to Him who alone does great wonders; His love endures forever.” From this psalm, I daily gather my faith and strength to love and serve God’s people as I rest in the steadfast love of God, which remains constant despite our circumstances.
I invite us all to live in love daily. The love of God is not limited to a single month or event, like Valentine’s Day. It is an unending love that permeates every aspect of our lives, guiding us, comforting us, and empowering us to love others every day. Let us not limit God’s love to a single month in a year.
Finally, brothers and sisters in the Lord, 1 Corinthians 13:13 declares, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” As we celebrate this month of love, let’s remember the love of God, which surpasses all human understanding. May God’s love inspire us to love others without limits and with the same kindness, compassion, and generosity that He shows us daily.