When Love is Alive

The songwriter once said, “Where there is love, the shadows are all friendly, and evil finds no place to hide a fear.” That’s exactly what the Bible means when it says love believes the best about others, love covers a multitude of sins, and perfect love casts out all fear. This is the kind of love God had in mind for husbands and wives. It’s also the same love that purchased our redemption, gave us a home in heaven, made us part of God’s family, and even gave us His name—all while we were still sinners. As Scripture says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NKJV).

This is the love Christ shares with His Church forever. And through marriage, we’re given a glimpse—a foretaste—of that eternal love. It’s not something we can manufacture on our own. Human love, while capable of kindness, is ultimately self-centered. It often gives in hopes of receiving something in return. But divine love is different. It doesn’t look to the person being loved for a reward—it looks to God, the One who commands us to love, and it receives its strength from Him.

This kind of love is possible only because Christ’s love has been poured into our hearts. Sadly, many Christian couples still operate out of selfish, human love. It’s no surprise, then, that their love feels lifeless—or barely alive. Divine love thrives only when Christ is truly Lord of our lives. God’s solution to every problem is the same: make Christ Lord. And that includes your love life. Love your spouse the way Christ loved us—even when we were broken, unworthy, and hard to love.

We can’t fully experience Christ’s love while clinging to values and behaviors that oppose Him. It’s like trying to run a gasoline car on diesel—it simply won’t work. But when the Lordship of Christ fuels your love for one another, something beautiful happens: love comes alive. The hurting find comfort, and broken hearts are held close until the tears dry. In that kind of love, the shadows feel safe, fear has nowhere to hide, despair melts in the warmth of care, and hope rises like an eagle.

As we remember this season that Christ, our Passover Lamb, was sacrificed for us, may your new life in Him be a daily celebration of love and mercy, in Jesus’ name.

By Pastor Ifiok Ukobo