We were visiting Riverbend Park near Findlay, Ohio, in the spring time a few years ago and saw this gorgeous redbud tree. I just had to paint it. I began painting it a few years ago, but something was missing. I forgot about it until I was invited to be in a spring art show with six other artists. They were asked to do a spring theme and I remembered this one. I added the little bunnies and a few rocks to make it more interesting and fun. Spring is when we turn our thoughts to the outdoors, fresh air, and love.
In the English language our words for love are rather limited. We could say we love the outdoors, or love ice-cream. We love our children, family, friends, spouses, etc. The Greeks have different words for the various types of love. Eros (sexual passion), phileo (platonic friendship), storge (family & close friends) and agape (unconditional regardless of their flaws).
I’ve come to the conclusion that most love is very selfish. We love someone only because they make us feel good about ourselves. When you really think about it, we are all basically very selfish human beings. It takes something beyond ourself to actually love those who are not nice to us. If someone hurt you deeply, would you still love them? Jesus taught us to love our enemies and be good to those who mistreat us. That is a special kind of love that can only be learned from an intimate relationship with the Father, who is love.
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 John 4:16
