A Love Story – by Bermie Dizon

One aspect of my life I will always remember is when I first met my wife at a church youth conference. I felt something strange—my heart palpitated when I first saw her, and that feeling only grew stronger as we continued to see each other at the seminary where we both became students. Can you relate? It’s like your heart dances whenever you’re with that special someone.

It was like an empty void I never knew existed suddenly got filled. It was an amazing journey with her. I guess that’s what they call being in love. Flowers, beaches, mountains, stars, and this lady, Carmelita—all intertwined in the realm of beauty.

Truly, winning the lottery pales in comparison. Being near her was like witnessing the Independence Day fireworks. How do I describe it? It felt like being in a sanctuary filled with warmth and acceptance, a place where love and comfort were always present when we went on dates.

We recently celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary. How fast time flew! Through the years, I’ve learned that love also means trust and commitment to one another. It means being willing to give my all for her, sharing her laughter, and sometimes, shedding tears when she cried.

If you’ve experienced love, you probably understand what I’m saying, right? But now, there is another kind of love that’s even more powerful. Have you ever considered your relationship with Jesus as something like “falling in love”? Some might find this comparison unconventional when thinking about our connection with God. Yet, the Apostle Paul likened our relationship with God to an intimate love relationship, illustrating it in the metaphor of a bride and groom (Ephesians 5:25, 32).

Did you know that there is an entire book in the Bible that is deeply romantic? It’s the Song of Songs. It’s not solely a romantic poem for spouses but an invitation for all of us to deepen our intimacy with Jesus, our spiritual Bridegroom.

In this sacred text, Jesus is portrayed as the bridegroom, His Spirit depicted as one who leaps across mountains and soars over hills to draw close to us. He stands intimately before us, singing a love song: “Arise, my precious one, my lovely one, and come with me. See, the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come” (Song of Songs 2:8-12).

Jesus’ time on earth was filled with challenges. In His culture, the religious elite displayed arrogance, legalism, and elitism, condemning those who didn’t conform to their traditions. Yet in a troubled society full of hypocrites and sinners, how was Jesus able to love others so deeply?

He could have sought worldly success, proven His teachings superior to the greatest thinkers, or become a political leader. But Jesus chose differently. His greatest joy was loving God and sharing that love with others (Mark 12:30-31). His love came from an intimacy with the Father, and His life’s rhythm harmonized with God’s Spirit.

Jesus exemplified love, teaching us that the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant who sells everything to buy a precious pearl (Matthew 13:45). He gave up everything—even His life—to show His love, to reconcile us to God, and to make us His own.

This love story compels us to return His love and extend it to others. One day, there will be a great Wedding Feast in heaven, where Jesus, the bridegroom, will gather His beloved. You and I are invited, for we are His beloved.

The love between a husband and wife is a beautiful reflection of the greater love that Christ has for His Church. As we experience love in our relationships, let us also deepen our love and intimacy with Jesus, our heavenly Bridegroom.

 Excerpted from “God in Every Step” now available at Amazon.com. Bermie Dizon is a husband, father, grandfather and retired pastor living in Southern California.