On June 25, 1967, the Beatles sang the song “All You Need Is Love” for the first time on television in a live broadcast. It’s estimated that between 400 and 700 million people heard this ode to love and peace that day. Soon, thanks to the global success of the song, the American hippie movement adopted it as their official anthem. Protestors sang it during the countless demonstrations against the Vietnam War.
From cover to cover, the Bible also speaks of love, from the infinite love of God to Christ who commands that we love our neighbors. Love is mentioned more than 300 times in the Bible: 131 times in the Old Testament and 179 times in the New Testament. The Bible is God's love letter to mankind.
Yet it is written in Proverbs, “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established” (Proverbs 24:3, NKJV). Love is fundamental in relationships, but it’s not sufficient on its own. We love, but we need more. To truly strengthen our families and friendships, we need the wisdom of God.
I like this parallel that Solomon draws between the project of strengthening relationships and that of building a house. It is true that our loved ones are an extraordinary blessing, but we must build our connections one brick at a time, one day at a time. To undertake and succeed in this project, we need the advice, direction and wisdom of God and his Word. Because if love rhymes with happiness and blessing, it can also mean hurt and brokenness. Whatever your family or friend situation, I encourage you to read, study, understand and apply the Word of God. You will draw from it divine resources, clear directions, liberating truths, courage and essential knowledge.
Whether you are a single mom or a senior, God has a Word for you today. Whether you are single or in a relationship, whether you are a traditional, blended, immigrant or multicultural family, God has a direction for you. He has a hope to whisper to couples who are suffering from infertility or who are in marital distress. God wants to breathe new courage into your relationships. Do not deprive yourself of the Word that God has for you today.
Claude Houde is the lead pastor of Eglise Nouvelle Vie (New Life Church) in Montreal, Canada. Under his leadership New Life Church has grown from a handful of people to more than 3500 in a part of Canada with few successful Protestant churches.