2 John 2:5 - Graffiti for Lovers (on the day after Valentine's Day)

Certain "street artists" in Florence that have made a reputation with their artwork, some of it even appearing in galleries. Then there is the standard graffiti, like:

Ti Amo! 

R-heart + D-heart

...which simply means, "I love You!  R + D"  It was written on a wall where the owner of the building had already painted over previous graffiti. Undoubtedly they would come out and paint over the public declaration of love between R and D. Who knows? Maybe it was a similar sentiment by R & D that had already been painted over before.

I doubt any paint would smother their passion for each other. As Solomon wrote,
"Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it..." (Song of Solomon 8:7a, New Living Translation, 2015)

The thing about the passion of lovers is that it can cool off. Even the enduring love from God, needs to be renewed. God doesn't run out of love, but we need fuel to keep passing on the love we've received. It needs more than graffiti to deepen and grow. That's why John wrote,

"I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning." (2 John 5, NLT)

Lord Jesus, it's easy to say that we love you and we love others. But love that is patient, kind and longsuffering (1 Corinthians 13) needs nurturing in our lives. Renew our reception of Your love for us -- that love which stirs us to love others in Your own self-sacrificing way. (1 John 4:19). Amen.