It may seem unusual to discuss love and sexuality in March, when most people associate such messages with February. However, love is not confined to a single month. Every day is an opportunity to focus on love—most importantly, loving God and loving others.
In today’s world, love has been redefined by many who were never its originators. This has led to misconceptions, distortions, and unhealthy expressions of love. Yet, love is not merely an emotion or a human construct—it is the very essence of who God is.
When we embrace the truth that God is love, it transforms everything. Our outlook on the future becomes filled with hope, knowing that a loving God is in control. Our sense of purpose becomes clearer when we understand that the one true God is love, not evil. Our relationships become healthier when they are rooted in God’s definition of love rather than our flawed perceptions.
Because God is a loving God, He is also relational. He desires a relationship with us and calls us to be in loving relationships with others. The first human relationship recorded in history—Adam and Eve—was a marriage designed by God for companionship, love, and the blessing of children. God’s plan was for humans to thrive in healthy, committed relationships that reflect His love and purpose.
Unfortunately, the enemies of God resented humanity. They despised that humans were given dominion over the earth and the ability to create families. In their hatred, they sought to deceive and lead humanity away from God’s loving design. Their lies introduced confusion and distorted love, resulting in unhealthy relationships and perversions of sexuality.
Sex, as designed by God, is a beautiful and sacred gift meant to be enjoyed within the loving boundaries He established. When those boundaries are ignored, the consequences can be deeply damaging. For example, when a married woman has an affair, the bonding hormones in her brain connect her to someone outside of her covenant, potentially leading to the destruction of her family. This is just one way the enemy distorts love and harms humanity. While the deception originates from the forces of darkness, it is ultimately a human choice to accept or reject these lies.
The good news is that Jesus Christ has overcome the forces of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, He made a way for us to be restored to God’s family and experience true love. By accepting His sacrifice, we can walk in the fullness of His love and cultivate healthy, God-honoring relationships.
As a mental health professional, I have seen that individuals who experience healthy, loving attachments in their relationships are the ones who thrive. If you desire to know true love, you must first know the One who is love—God.
Happy Spring, Dr. Atwell
