Valentine’s Day Everyday
Scripture Passage – ‘Love is patient,…kind,…does not envy,…does not boast, …is not proud,…is not rude,… is not self-seeking,…is not easily angered,…keeps no record of wrongs,…does not delight in evil,….rejoices with the truth,…always protect,…always trusts,…always perseveres,…NEVER fails.” – 1 Cor. 13:4-8a
Every February 14, you might say that love is in the air. Radio stations are playing romantic songs, advertisers are promoting sentimental gifts, and couples are planning evenings with that “special someone.” Every February it’s the same, isn’t it? We see hearts and cupids geared toward Valentine’s Day, urging us to demonstrate our love for those around us. Don’t get me wrong–there’s absolutely nothing wrong with showing your love and affection for the people you love. We definitely should. The question isn’t, “How do you show your love on Valentine’s Day?” The real question is, “How do you show your love the rest of the year?” As we stay connected with the Source, we DO.
Possibly some understanding what love is would help us before trying to answer that question. First, love is not an abstract feeling of longing and infatuation that intensifies for certain holidays only to fizzle out a short time later. Second, love is not always romantic gestures and weekend getaways. In short, love isn’t what we see on television or movies where we feel the “fuzzy feelings” and end up living happily ever after. Instead, according to the Bible, true love–agape love–is a consistent, faithful regard for another that holds another person higher than oneself. In other words, love is humble and willing to put other people first. The apostle Paul wrote, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4). Here we see that in addition to being humble, love treats other people with kindness and patience. The other thing to notice? Love doesn’t get jealous. What a great description of love. One of the criticisms sometimes heard about Christians is that they don’t show agape love to others. I’m glad that doesn’t include us. As Valentine’s Day approaches, why don’t you look at these characteristics of a loving person and ask yourself, “Am I humble? Am I kind? Am I patient? Not given to jealousy?” If you can answer, “Yes,” then you are exhibiting Christ-like love.
There is no greater picture of love than Jesus Christ. As we seek to know and show what true love is, let’s look to Jesus and follow His example of selfless love: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). The greatest example of love was when Christ hung on the Cross. Won’t you remember how He has forgiven you and embrace His love today? In turn, won’t you exhibit your faith and extend His love to those God has placed in your life, not just on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the rest of the year? Then you will have a happy Valentine’s Day…every day as you demonstrate the selfless love of Jesus to others who need to experience Him.