Back in 2000 when I (Paula) was in my late 20s and attending a fellowship in San Antonio, TX the young singles helped to put on a Valentine’s Day dinner. One of the married adults who helped to organize the event asked me weeks beforehand if I would share a song that evening. I asked the Lord for a song and this was the result. Unfortunately with all of the activity of the evening the woman who had asked me to share the song forgot all about it. I didn’t feel right bringing it up so I just let it go although I’ll admit to being a bit disappointed. However, a friend of mine from another fellowship that came to join us for the evening was kind enough to ask to hear the song after the event was over which made me feel better.
Five years later my husband and I along with a children’s choir consisting of about 50 of our friend’s children sang this song at our outdoor wedding on a beautiful September day in rural Wisconsin. In the past thirteen years of marriage we’ve both had ample opportunity to grow in Christlike love, especially after being blessed with six children in seven years (the first three within sixteen months). Nothing grinds away selfishness like marriage and family. God knew just what we needed to grow in Him and we thank Him for it.
(Note: The photo is of Todd and myself on our wedding day, September 4, 2005)
He is Love
In this day and age you know that we are so confused
We don’t know what love is, oh but we know how to use
We think it’s all about ourselves and our own happiness
And we wonder what went wrong when we find our lives a mess
For love is willing to pay the price
Love is laying down your life
Love is giving up your rights
Look at Jesus, that is love
Look at Jesus, He is love
The Lord says love is patient and that true love is kind
It depends not on appearances, for to the flesh it’s blind
Love does not envy but it will protect and trust
For we’re to love one another as the Father first loved us
For love is willing to pay the price
Love is laying down your life
Love is long days and sleepless nights
Look at Jesus, that is love
Look at Jesus, He is love
True love is not boastful and it is not proud or rude
And it is more necessary than our daily food
We’re called to love with actions and not merely with our words
For we must live what we believe, so that the truth is heard
For love is willing to pay the price
Love is laying down your life
Love is often pain and sacrifice
Look at Jesus, that is love
Look at Jesus, He is love
Love rejoices in the truth and in evil finds no delight
It is not easily angered and it longs to do what’s right
Love is not self-seeking and it keeps no record of wrongs
It’s rarely found on the T.V. or in today’s love songs
For love is willing to pay the price
Love is laying down your life
Love is giving up your rights
Look at Jesus, that is love
Look at Jesus, He is love
Copyright 2000 Holy Spirit (via Paula Thorson)