A Love That Cannot Be Separated
“Neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38–39
This past Wednesday, August 19, is known as the Qixi Festival (七夕), which is often called the Chinese Valentine’s Day. The traditional Chinese folklore tells of Niulang and Zhinü, two lovers separated by the Milky Way who are permitted to meet only once each year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
This make-believe story reflects a deep human longing: we desire to love, to be loved, and to remain close to those who are precious to us. Yet human relationships are often affected by distance, changing circumstances, misunderstandings, and loss. As Christians, however, our greatest hope is not found in folklore or even in human love, precious as it may be. Our hope rests in the perfect and everlasting love of God.
Love takes many beautiful forms. There is the romantic love shared between husband and wife, the tender and sacrificial love parents have for their children, and the brotherly love found among friends and within the family of Christ—a love that encourages, supports, and walks alongside one another.
We also see these expressions of love within our own CPCM family as our Empower college students return home from school for the summer break. During the summer, parents and church members welcomed them home, rearranged schedules, organized activities, prepared food, and treasured their time together. Now, as the students leave for school again, that love goes with them through encouragement, concern, and faithful prayer.
Each of these forms of love is precious, yet all human love remains imperfect and limited. Above them all is agape: the holy, unconditional, and self-giving love that comes from God. Human circumstances may separate us from those we love, but nothing can separate God’s children from His love. As Scripture reminds us, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Romans 8 assures us that nothing in all creation can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This does not mean that Christians will never experience loneliness, hardship, or separation. It means that wherever we go and whatever we face, God remains with us. His love does not weaken when circumstances change, nor does it disappear when we struggle.
The cross is the clearest demonstration of this love: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus did not wait until we became deserving of His love. He came to rescue us, bore our sins, and reconciled us to God. Through His resurrection, we have the assurance that not even death can overcome His love.
Our life together at CPCM is another expression of God’s love. Through worship, Sunday School, fellowship, small groups, shared meals, prayer, and service, we encourage one another and remind each other that no one walks alone.
As our students begin another semester, let us pray for their safety, wisdom, friendships, and spiritual growth. May they find faithful Christian communities and remain rooted in Christ. And may all of us rest in this unshakable truth: in Jesus Christ, we are fully known, deeply loved, and never alone.
Announcement:
Here is our weekly spotlight. Other church-wide announcements can be found in our weekly bulletin.
Prayer Request:
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