One early morning, I saw two dead bees inside of a pumpkin flower in my backyard.
Pumpkin flowers are very large, and contain large amounts of nectar to attract bees. Curiously, these flowers do not remain open all day. They only open at the crack of dawn, but close at around 10 a.m. Sometimes, the petals close earlier. Bees that indulge in the sweet nectar for too long risk being trapped within the flower.
Love is sweet like nectar and as strong as death. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. (Song of Songs 8:6)
Love is good. We need to love, and to be loved. Yet, that same love can trap us the same way bees become trapped by pumpkin flowers. Love can be misguided, which leads to destructive relationships. So, how do we love in a way that does not trap us like the bees? It is important to make God the first priority of your love.
For Jesus once said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38, NIV)
So dear friends, love God first. And with that godly love, bring love to others on this world.