Philosophers, poets and song-writers have struggled for generations to define it. Each of us has been touched by it to some degree. It can cause us unimaginable anguish or indescribable joy. It is a simple 4-letter word that describes a powerful emotion. Love.

If we really ponder our own life experiences, we might logically conclude that love is one of (if not the most) powerful forces imaginable.

Yes, the Bible tells us …”for God so loved the world…” But that phrase has no real impact unless we recognize the influence that love has on each of us in our daily, earthly existence – including the fact that we exist at all!

Most of us have had the experience – or at least witnessed – the power of love. Those of us fortunate enough to have that emotion as part of our life might recognize that we are capable of self-sacrifice, even to the point of death, out of love for another.

Parents routinely put themselves at risk to protect their children. Spouses will shield their partners by placing themselves in harm’s way to protect the one they love.

Pet owners have been known to risk their own safety to protect a loved pet from harm.

Logic suggests that when you consider how strong the instinct of self-preservation is in each of us, the idea that we would willingly risk our earthly existence for another is proof of the incredible power of love.

Yes, this is a follow-up to the previous post, but it is meant to stress the importance of embracing love for each other, and in the process, love for our Creator.

Once we fully appreciate the immense power of love, we can begin to recognize the potential we tap into when we practice gratitude for all we have and all that we might obtain from an all-powerful God. The true measure of faith is to practice that appreciation before receiving the benefits of that connection.