What Love Is (on hold)

Chapter 2: A Date with the One

Today is February 10, Tuesday. February 14 is fast approaching. Maybe I should try asking Grace to go out with me on Saturday.

“Hi Christian. What’s up? Are you busy on Saturday?”

“Actually, I was about to ask you the same question. Since you asked, well... No, not really. I thought maybe we could hang out.”

“It’s Saturday, Christian. You told me you’d come with me whenever you’re free. Remember?” She pouted. Sheez, does she really have to do that all the time? I mean, she’s so cute.

“I know I did. Alright. See you on Saturday then.”

“Yes! See you! And... I figured maybe we could hang out after the service,” she blushed! “You up for it?”

“You bet!” We both laughed.

Saturday has finally come. Before I went to church, I bought Grace a gift. And here she comes…

Is it just me or does she really look extra beautiful today? She seems a little pale though. “Hey. You really look wonderful.”

“Hi! Thank you. You look good yourself.”

“Thanks.”

The service started like the usual, with a prayer, followed by some cool music. I like one particular song entitled, Your Grace is Enough. I like its title, of course! Grace is enough for me, Grace Garcia. Hehehe.

I’ve been coming here for over a month now, and surprisingly, I’m starting to really enjoy doing this. One time I even found myself singing and clapping with the beat of the drums. What happened to me? Is this some sort of magic or sorcery?

You can’t be so serious about that church thing!

Ian’s voice cut my thoughts. He’s right. There is no God, because if there is why did... Ugh! Stupid thoughts.

The youth pastor, Pastor Joey, is already talking, “Before you take your seats, I’d like you to tell at least five people, ‘I love you, but God loves you more.’”

“I love you,” I told Grace with a big smile on my face, then unconvincingly said, “but God loves you more.” She laughed. Oh, how I love the jollity of this lady!

Pastor Joey began his sermon, “Since it is hearts’ day today, our topic will be about love. Now, let me ask you. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘love’?” Grace. I thought. “Some might be thinking that love is sacrifice. Yes. Others think it is unconditional. Yes. Others say it understands. Yes. What else?”

Someone shouted, “Love hurts!” Everybody laughed, even the pastor.

“Ooh, love hurts? I sense bitterness there. Kidding. But, yes it does. You know what? We all have many different meanings of love. Everyone has a unique experience when it comes to what we call love. The question is what’s love? What is TRUE love?” Interesting.

“Guys, I’m encouraging you to take down notes. It might be useful in the future,” he smiled. I won’t take down notes; I don’t have a pen and a paper anyway.

Out of the blue, Grace gave me a small notebook and a pen, “Take down notes. No escaping from me, mister.”

I laughed softly, “Thank you.”

Pastor Joey started talking again, “As I have said a few moments ago, there are lots of meanings linked with the word love. Even the Bible has quite a number of meanings. Let’s take a look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, The Message Bible,” the passage was flashed in a big white screen in front, “let’s read, ‘Love never gives up. Love cares more for others that for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.’”  He paused and explained the passage to us. Unexpectedly, I found myself becoming more and more interested, so I listened attentively to what he’s saying.

“..And as 1 John 3:16 says, ‘this is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed His life for us.’ Amen?”

“Amen!”

“That’s true love! Can you imagine? When we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That’s what true love is. Even if we didn’t deserve it, God gave us His love. All we have to do is accept it. We all would understand if someone dies for someone worth dying for, but this... Goodness! Can you imagine the selflessness of God’s love? Okay, I want everyone to reflect on your lifestyle,” he paused, giving everyone time to think. Silence filled the air. “Now, I’m going to ask you one question. Do you think you are worthy of what Christ has done for you?”

I heard some people crying. What’s wrong with them? They really think all of these are true? Sheez.

I looked at Pastor Joey speaking with his eyes closed, “I believe someone needs to hear this right now: God loves you so much. The problem is that you don’t want to let Him in to your life,” To my surprise, he opened his eyes and glanced at my direction. I really don’t know what was happening but I can’t look away.I felt pain. “But He wants you to know that no matter how far you walk away from Him, He’ll always be by your side. He’ll never stop loving you, and He’ll be waiting no matter how long,” he continued. Is it just my imagination, or is he really looking straight at me?

Without warning, tears streamed out of my eyes.

“John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His ONE AND ONLY begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting love. For all our first timers, God is telling you that He wants you to experience His unconditional love. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you’ve done in the past. All that matters is that you are ready to welcome Christ into your life, and accept Him your Lord and Savior. If you are that person, please step forward and we’ll pray for you.” I felt an urge to step forward, but I resisted. Pride has taken over me again. Many had the courage to do it. But as the pastor was praying, I felt uneasy. I felt like something was wrong.

“Amen. Thank you for those who answered the call. A while ago, while we were praying for our first time guests, God spoke to me. He asked me to do another altar call. If you’ve become tired and weary of the terrible things happening in your life… Or if you’re someone who’s been a Christian for a long time now but still hasn’t experienced God’s love… Or someone who’s been attending this gathering for quite some time now but still has the wrong motives, crush, love interest, whatsoever…” Ouch! That hit me.

“Or if you feel like there’s really something missing in your life. More like a hole in your heart which cannot be filled up by anyone but God,” Was he referring to me? “Or maybe you’re just that someone who’s experiencing a season of shaking right now,” The sound of crying was louder than ever. “I urge you to please come in front. God wants to take away your pain; you just have to let Him do it.”

This time, I didn’t dare waste the chance. I know deep inside that someone was calling me. It’s God. Now I believe. While Pastor Joey was praying for us, I also prayed my own prayer.

“Lord, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I don’t know how You are able to forgive me, while I’m just some guy who never acknowledged Your existence. Thank you for Your love. Thank you for giving me another chance to live my life for You. Thank you, God for using Grace as an instrument to help me realize You’re real. I.. I love You, Lord.” I fell to my knees, and felt someone hugged me. I didn’t look up to see who it was, I just continued crying.

I know it was the best decision I’ve made in my life. February 14, 2009, the day I met my Savior.