Chapel message, 2/14/10

This morning in chapel, I used the fact that today was Valentine's Day to speak about the three kinds of love referenced in the Song of Solomon.

First - raya, which refers to a friendly love (wanting to spend time with someone). Second - ahava, which is a commitment-based love (wanting to dedicate yourself to someone). And third - dod, which is a physically-based, sensual love (sex). All three of these terms are translated into English as "love," but by looking at the Hebrew words for each we can see that they are different types of love.

I spoke to the cadets about how many times people try to base a relationship on that third type of love, without the other two. When that mistake is made, the relationship faces an uphill battle, at best.

It is only by basing our romantic relationships on all three types of love (picture three flames burning together to make a large flame), that we can love the way that God intended us to love someone, that we can experience REAL love with a spouse.