A Love Worth Living
February 15, 2026
Dr. Paul Cannings
“The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.” Scripture reminds us, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart” (Proverbs 27:19). What resides within us eventually reveals itself through how we live, speak, and respond—especially under pressure.
A loving heart expresses love in many forms: sometimes gently, sometimes through loving correction, and often most clearly during life’s hardest moments. In contrast, an unloving heart reveals itself just as clearly: through criticism, unforgiveness, jealousy, self-centeredness, and bitterness. Jesus reminds us that what comes out of us flows from what is within us (Matthew 15:18–19).
There’s an old song that says, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Though written years ago, it still echoes the cry of our time. Yet the love Scripture calls us to go far beyond sentiment or emotion.
Too often, our love circle is small, limited to family, close friends, or those who think, look, and worship like we do. But Jesus challenges us to love wider. He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven … For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? … And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others?… (Matt. 5:43-48; NASB) Jesus also warned of honoring God with our lips while our hearts remain far from Him. (Matt. 15:8) True love is not merely spoken, it is demonstrated.
“I vividly remember an incident that took place at our Greek Keswick in Macedonia one year. The Lord had just opened the door for a special ministry among the Turks. After I announced it, a devout Christian woman came up to me, placed some Greek currency in my hand, and said, “I want this used to win Turks to Christ. They killed my brother, but I want to be the first to contribute to their cause.” There will be a special reward for that woman at the day of judgment for believers.” (From Illustrations of Bible Truths Copyright © 1995, 1998 by AMG International, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.) Scripture tells us, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17).
The apostle Paul exhorts us: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; …Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. …Never pay back evil for evil to anyone… If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, …Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:9-21; NASB; John 13:34-35)
So today, I encourage you—enlarge your circle. Love beyond convenience. Reach out to someone overlooked. Support a women’s shelter. Adopt a missionary. Pray for those who oppose you. When we love this way, we reflect not just our hearts—but the heart of Christ.
Happy Valentines Day