The Greatest of These Is Love: A Devotional Thought for Valentine’s Day

Listen to today’s passage – Numbers 1 – 2

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Numbers 1

Second Milers also read – Acts 1 – 3; Proverbs 14; Psalms 71 – 75

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 51

Read the “0214 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles  Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from today’s passage – “The Center of the Camp“

Today, we are taking a break from our normal practice of sharing a thought from the daily Scripture reading. Instead, I developed a thought from 1 Corinthians 13 and other passages regarding the topic of love. Hopefully, this will be a blessing for you on Valentine’s Day.

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day with cards, flowers, and romantic gestures, we turn to the timeless words of Scripture for the true meaning of love. While our daily Bible reading takes us through Numbers 1-2, today we pause to meditate on 1 Corinthians 13—the great “love chapter.” Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reminds us that without love (charity in the KJV), all our spiritual gifts, knowledge, and even sacrifices are empty.

The Supremacy of Love

“1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. … 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Cor 13:1–8, 13)

Understanding Biblical Love

This is not sentimental romance—it’s divine, transformative love. In the New Testament, Greek words reveal layers of meaning for “love.” Two key terms stand out: agape (ἀγάπη) and phileo (φιλέω). [See Note Below on Eros and Storge]

  • Agape is the selfless, unconditional love that originates from God. It’s a deliberate choice, not based on feelings or worthiness. It’s the love God shows us in Christ (Romans 5:8) and the love we’re commanded to show others—even when it’s hard. This is the primary word in 1 Corinthians 13 (translated “charity”). Agape is the greatest expression of love:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) 

  • Phileo is affectionate, friendship-based love—warm, emotional, and often mutual, like the bond between close friends or family. While beautiful, it’s more conditional and responsive than agape.

Though some overemphasize the contrast (and the words can overlap in usage), agape represents the higher, God-like love we’re called to pursue: sacrificial, enduring, and one-way when needed. True Christian love blends both—agape as the foundation, phileo as the warmth that flows from it.

Demonstrate Love in Every Relationship

As believers, this love shapes every relationship:

  • Love for God: We are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). This is the greatest commandment, and our love for others flows from it. If we claim to love God but fail to love others, we deceive ourselves (1 John 4:20).
  • Love for brothers and sisters in Christ: We’re commanded to love one another deeply, as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35). This brotherly love (often phileo in tone, rooted in agape) marks us as disciples and builds up the body.
  • Love for family: Scripture calls us to honor and care for our households (Ephesians 5:22-6:4; 1 Timothy 5:8). This includes tender affection within the home.
  • Love for enemies: Jesus radically commands, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matthew 5:44). This mirrors God’s impartial love—sending rain on the just and unjust—and demonstrates the power of the gospel.
Love That Strengthens Marriage

Marriage holds a special place in this picture, especially on Valentine’s Day. Husbands are commanded to love their wives “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25)—pure agape, sacrificial and sanctifying. Wives are to respect and love their husbands (Titus 2:4; Ephesians 5:33). This love isn’t just emotional (phileo) but committed and enduring.

Here are some practical ways to express this Christ-like love in marriage:

  • Practice patience and kindness daily (1 Corinthians 13:4): Speak gently, even in frustration; choose kindness over irritation.
  • Serve one another humbly: Take on a chore your spouse dislikes without being asked, or prepare their favorite meal as an act of service.
  • Prioritize quality time: Put away distractions and listen attentively—show that your spouse is valued above screens or schedules.
  • Speak words of affirmation: Regularly say “I love you,” express gratitude, and affirm their strengths. Avoid criticism that tears down.
  • Forgive quickly and freely: Don’t keep score of wrongs (v. 5); extend grace as Christ has to us.
  • Pray together: Seek God as a couple, asking Him to grow your love and unity.
  • Show physical affection thoughtfully: Hugs, kisses, and intimacy that honor God and strengthen your bond.
  • Sacrifice self-interest: Put your spouse’s needs first, remembering love “seeketh not her own.”
Pursuing Love That Never Fails

In a world full of fleeting romance, let us pursue the love that “never faileth.” On this Valentine’s Day, may our marriages, families, churches, and even our interactions with those who oppose us reflect the agape love of Christ—the greatest gift of all.

Note on Eros and Storge – The other two Greek words for love—eros and storge—complete the classic quartet. These provide a fuller picture of how love operates in human relationships, all of which can (and should) be redeemed and elevated by God’s grace. Eros (ἔρως) refers to romantic or passionate love, often involving sexual desire, attraction, and longing for union with another person. It’s the love that draws lovers together, characterized by intensity, beauty, and a sense of being “captivated” by the beloved. The English word “erotic” derives from it. Storge (στοργή) describes natural, instinctive affection—often the quiet, loyal love within families. It’s the bond between parents and children, siblings, or even long-term companions who grow accustomed to one another. This love is protective, enduring through hardships, and often taken for granted because it’s so familiar and low-key. It’s less about passion or choice and more about belonging and natural devotion. Neither of these words appear in their root form within the Bible.


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A Bride for Isaac: Practical Teaching and a Picture Treasury from Genesis 24

Today’s Passage – Genesis 23 – 24 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 15 – 16; Proverbs 8; Psalms 36 – 40)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 34:6

Read the “0108 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “The Blessing of the Lord,” “Taker or Giver?,” “Praying for Clear Direction,” and “The Bride of Christ”

“4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. … 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” (Gen 24:4, 67)

Introduction

Chapter 24 is the longest chapter in the book of Genesis and it tells the very beautiful story of Abraham (through his servant) searching for and finding a wife for his son Isaac. This chapter is one of the great chapters in Scripture as it contains much in the way of practical teaching, but also is replete with types or pictures of Christ and His Bride, the Church.  As we have seen many times before in our study of Genesis, this chapter is all about the Lord Jesus. How amazing our God is that He can paint a marvelous portrait of Christ in a real, historical narrative of people living thousands of years before Christ. As we read this chapter, let’s look for these pictures of Christ and pictures of New Testament truth as they are woven throughout the story.

Practical Teaching

Simple Timeline Within the Story

Abraham commands the servant to go find a bride for his son in the land of Mesopotamia where Abraham was from. (vs. 1 – 9)

The servant sets out with gifts and provision for the trip, and finally arrives in the city of Nahor. (v. 10)

The servant prays unto the Lord to show him clearly the right woman for Isaac. (vs. 11 – 14)

The Lord brings the right woman to the servant. (vs. 15 – 21)

The servant gives gifts unto Rebekah and inquires of her family. (vs. 22 – 28)

The servant goes to the family and explains his purpose. (vs. 29 – 49)

After receiving gifts from the servant, the family agrees to allow Rebekah to go with the servant. (vs. 50 – 60)

The servant brings Rebekah back to Isaac. (v. 61)

Isaac takes Rebekah as his bride. (vs. 62 – 67)

Scriptural Teaching on Marriage

Abraham was very involved in the selection of his son’s bride.

    • Christian parents have a right and an obligation to assist and approve the choices of their children.
    • Christian couples should get the blessing of their parents and the counsel of their pastor(s) before getting engaged.

Isaac was not to marry one of the Canaanites which were known for their wickedness. God does not want us to marry someone who is not a Christian and who is not serving the Lord faithfully.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

The Lord directed the servant to the right bride. If young people will wait on the Lord, He will direct them in His will regarding marriage.

Picture Treasury

Now let us look at the picture or types of Christ and His Bride (the Church) that we can see in this narrative. There are many more types in this passage than we will discuss here, but we will attempt to point out the obvious ones.  Remember, it is not wise to build doctrine solely on types, but these pictures do give us wonderful reinforcement of the doctrines plainly taught elsewhere in the Scripture, and they also remind us of the infallibility of the Word of God.

It is important to remember that this story takes place after the events in chapter 22, where Isaac is offered on the altar of sacrifice by Abraham at Moriah. Christ could only get His bride after He finished the work of redemption on the cross of Calvary.

Abraham is a type of God the Father.

Isaac is a type of God the Son.

Rebekah is a picture of the church, the bride of Christ. (Ephesians 5:22 – 33) Note – Even though God sovereignly directed this marriage, Rebekah still made a choice to be Isaac’s bride. 

The Servant is a type of the Holy Spirit.

    • He is un-named. 

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

    • He guides and protects the bride until she gets to Christ.
    • He teaches the bride about Christ. Isaac became more real to Rebekah, the closer she got to him.
    • He gives gifts to the Bride. (v. 22; v. 53; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12)
    • He gives precious things to the world. (v. 53)

Laban is picture of the world. We will learn more about him in future chapters.

    • He is enamored with the spiritual gifts; but not with the Son. (v 30)
    • He attempts to hinder the work of the Spirit in the life of the Bride. (v. 55)

Sarah is a picture of the nation of Israel. (Jehovah’s bride)

    • Notice that Isaac gets his bride after Sarah is gone.
    • Notice also that the bride occupies the tent of Sarah. The church is not the Nation of Israel; but it occupies a special place of blessing in the eyes of God.  God will someday restore Israel; but not until after the church is removed from the earth. 

The camels are a picture of the grace of God. It is grace that brings the Bride on the long journey through the desert of this world to the Son.

Abraham’s country (v. 4) is a picture of the earth. (Matthew 28:18 -20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)

The entire story is a picture of soul winning.  It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict a sinner of their need for the Saviour. 

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8)

 In this passage we see both the sovereignty of God; and the free will of man.  God directed the servant to a specific bride; yet she could have refused. (v. 8)

Genesis 24 is more than an ancient love story—it is a divine romance revealing God’s redemptive plan. Through the servant’s mission, Rebekah’s willing response, and Isaac’s joyful union, we see both a pattern for godly marriage and a glorious picture of Christ and His Bride, the Church. May we trust the Father’s choice, yield to the Holy Spirit’s direction, and, like Rebekah, lift our eyes in anticipation for the coming Bridegroom.

Questions for Reflection

  1. In Genesis 24, Abraham’s servant prayed specifically for God’s guidance (vs. 12–14). How specifically do you seek God’s direction when making major life decisions, such as choosing a spouse?

  2. Both Abraham and the servant refused to let Isaac leave the promised land to fetch a bride. Are there any “compromises” in your life or relationships that might take you outside of God’s promised will?

  3. The chapter ends with Isaac being comforted by Rebekah after his mother’s death (v. 67). How does your relationship with Christ (or your earthly marriage) bring comfort in seasons of loss or grief?


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