Surpassing Love

There are many types of love, many definitions for the word. One would think that the love between a man and a woman is the greatest, but this is not so according to the Scriptures. In II Samuel 1:26, King David lamenting the deaths of Jonathan and Saul writes as follows: “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you have been very pleasant to me; your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women.” This is no reference to homosexuality. It describes the relationship between dear friends, partners in life who invested in one another, fought for and sacrificed one for the other. This love saw the potential and calling in each other and was willing and capable of putting aside individual rights, needs and desires as a result.

This is a love in which God is the center – a love where no matter whether one gives or receives, it is with the foundation of knowing and trusting God. It is a standard higher than the love of a husband and wife (although that should be present in a marriage as well).

What is missing in man’s soul that continually seeks to be filled? All of us, no matter what age, need love, acceptance, security, a hug; to feel warmth and recognition. Friends and family around us can fill this partially, but ultimately, God has put in us a deep internal need for Him and His love.

Man’s soul has also been compared to that of a bird which leaves the nest and travels great distances in search of what it needs. Although its security comes from and remains in the nest; it goes out and yet it returns. How often do we go great distances; leaving our place of security with the Lord, looking for the solutions to our plans according to our thoughts? Why do we travel such great distances from the love of God for our answers when they are right there in front of us?

When our souls are filled with God and we come together with others who are also in Him,  we can experience what David was talking about – surpassing, covenant love.

From a recent post by Guy Cohen at www.facebook.com/harvestofasher