Love
By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
1 John 4:8
There is a famous picture of an old man sitting on the floor by his couch and holding the hand of his sweetheart, his wife of many years, who was lying weakly on the same couch, perhaps very near death. The expression on his face said one precious thing: love. Undying love for the person whose hand he tenderly held. The picture was one of forever love for his treasure, his bride, whom he had loved for a lifetime!
How do we compare this picture with the words of Scripture: God is love? Was God in this picture?
We say yes. God was in the heart of the old man who so loved his wife lying weakly on the couch. And God was in the wife who knew her beloved husband, her life-long companion, was the one who held her hand.
No one else could be in the picture. No child, no friend, no other one person. This was an expression of love between two people that no one else could completely share in, except God who is love itself. If you want to know what love is, like the love exhibited here, you find it in God. You cannot define love apart from God.
All the characteristics of genuine love are exhibited in God’s character. In His holiness, He loves; in His purity, He loves; in His power, He loves; in His omnipresence, He loves; in His righteousness, He loves; in His sovereignty, He loves; even in His wrath, He loves. Again, you cannot define love and leave God out, because GOD IS LOVE! And love is God!
If you have love for your wife or husband, you should thank God; if you have love for your child, you should thank God; if you have love for your Mom or Dad, you should thank God; if you have love for your neighbor, you should thank God. And if you have love for any fellow human or for yourself, you should thank God. Because there would be no love, if God was not.
You need to think, you need to meditate, you need to deeply consider what it means when the Bible tells you God is love. How can you possibly define love without knowing who God is? If you do not know who He is, you do not know what love is entirely, because God is love. You define love by knowing God. If you want to love and love fully and rightly, you must know God fully.
Such considerations of God must be a necessary part of your thought life. They must be at the forefront of your brain. They must consume your life and thinking. For God is love, and God is life itself.
If anyone would love another fully, the beginning of such love starts with the knowledge of God. Knowing Him is to love. You cannot NOT love if you know God.
There are many substitutes for genuine love. Unfortunately, we tend to rely too much on substitutes. But if you desire to truly love another, you do so by knowing and growing in the knowledge of Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ. To know the Father and His Son is to love them and to love others for whom the Son died. If He loved those for whom He died, how could we not love them too?
We celebrate love in the month of Valentine’s Day. But if you want to learn what love is, you do not do it with being or having your own personal Valentine, you do it by knowing God. Knowing Him and the Lord Jesus Christ is what love is, and love for another begins at the foot of the cross.

Strength For The Day
Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

Thank You, Nickey Gregory
A Huge Thank You to Andrew from Nickey Gregory Co. We are incredibly grateful for your generous contribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to The Paul Anderson Youth Home! Your kindness and support make a huge difference in helping us provide healthy meals and teach valuable life skills to the young men here.
Your gift is more than just produce—it’s an investment in their growth and well-being. Thank you for being a part of our mission to inspire and uplift!

Celebrating Success
We are incredibly proud to recognize Will Kelly (pictured right), a distinguished alumnus of the Paul Anderson Youth Home, who has taken an inspiring step in his journey by being sworn in as a police officer with the Lexington Police Department in Lexington, NC!
Will’s dedication, resilience, and commitment to serving his community are a testament to his hard work and the values instilled during his time at the PAYH. He embodies the mission of striving for excellence and leading with integrity.
Join us in congratulating Officer Will Kelly on this amazing achievement and in praying for his safety and success as he serves and protects his community.

Snow Day Fun
Recently, we were blessed with a special treat—a rare snowfall right here at the Youth Home! The boys couldn’t contain their excitement as they bundled up and headed outside to enjoy the winter wonderland. From snowball fights, to building mini snowmen, and even attempting some sledding, laughter filled the air.
It was a couple of days full of joy, teamwork, and making memories that they’ll never forget. Moments like these remind us of the beauty in God’s creation and the simple joys that bring us together.
A big thank you to everyone who supports the Youth Home—it’s because of you that we can provide these young men with a safe, nurturing environment to grow and thrive, even on snowy days.

Save the Date
Join us for a day of family fun, fitness, and community spirit at the Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race! Whether you’re a runner, walker, or just there to cheer, this event is perfect for all ages. Bring the whole family and be a part of this exciting tradition!
Go to RunVidalia.com to register, and we can’t wait to see you at the finish line!
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