Traditionally, people have considered Valentine’s Day a time to celebrate romance but I prefer to think of it more as “Love Day”. Did you know that the word” love” or “loved” is mentioned in the Bible over 400 times! It seems to me that every positive emotion we could ever have is tied directly to this all-encompassing love. Without it, everything we do has no meaning.

There is no doubt that God wants us to love each other! In 1 Corinthians 13, He tells us very clearly how important love is and exactly what that one little word means. Anyone who has ever been to a church wedding will have heard this, but have you taken the time recently to REALLY hear what He is telling us?

1 Corinthians 13 NCV “I may speak in different languages of people or even angels. But if I do not have love, I am only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal. I may have the gift of prophecy. I may understand all the secret things of God and have all knowledge, and I may have faith so great I can move mountains. But even with all these things, if I do not have love, then I am nothing. I may give away everything I have, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing if I do not have love.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures.”

As our children have grown we have celebrated Valentine’s Day with a little gift for each one and a specially chosen card. Jim and I write in their Valentine what we love the most about each one of them and I have discovered that writing in those cards is just as important to me as it is for them. I adore the special time to think about each wonderful child, one at a time, and understand how truly remarkable they are. My Valentine from God is remembering the gifts of love that surround me every single day!

This year on Valentine’s Day, try to make a special effort to love as Christ loves us. Everyone needs to be told that they are loved. Everyone needs to hear they are special. Take those few moments to really remember how blessed you are with the people in your life. Go over God’s definition of love and take every word to heart. Be patient, kind, forgiving, trusting and hopeful.

But the most important thing I hope you will do is remind yourself and those around you that the ultimate expression of love we can ever know is our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Valentine above all Valentines, the greatest hope and most divine gift ever given to each and every one of us!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love,