St. Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Some people ask me why – after all, it’s really a relatively minor holiday that allows stores to sell cards and candy to the masses.
While that may be the commercialized side of February 14th, I prefer to look at the heart of the celebration. Valentine’s Day is about love – and that is the Lord’s message to us each and every day of our lives.
Look at this verse from one of the first books of the Bible:
“. . . for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God . . . showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”Exodus 20:5b, 6a
In this section of Scripture detailing the 10 Commandments, God explains how He detests sin – but He also describes His love that extends to generations of people who love Him. And part of the Lord’s lovingkindness includes Him clearly pointing out how He wants us to live and interact with one another.
In fact, if we go to one of the final books of the Bible, we find these words:
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:7-8
Since we don’t really know how much time we have on this earth, God gently reminds us that “above all” we are to love others. Why? Because love helps put a lid on our selfishness and sinfulness. And when we show love for each other, we are really revealing what the Lord is all about to everyone watching us!
So even if you aren’t overly sentimental – or don’t have a soft spot for cuddly stuffed animals and cream-centered chocolates, you can still experience an overwhelming rush of emotions this month when you think about the way the Lord cares for you. He has loved you from the beginning – and He longs to share that compassion with you all the way through eternity. His love is unselfish, unbridled – unending. Most of all, He desperately wants all of us to love more and more like He does in the days ahead!
May the Lord of Love bless you and keep you this month -and always!
Thought of the Month
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”
John 3:16-17
