I sort of hate Valentine’s Day. Although it can be fun, it can also be a huge source of pain for many, many people. For those who have lost their loves to death (or a nasty breakup…), or for those who are single or struggling in their marriages/dating relationships, it can turn the volume of loneliness up to a deafening roar.
Forced romance and awkward conversation (when what you’re really feeling isn’t being said) and candles and roses when your heart is hurting sucks. I say we hijack Valentine’s Day from that creepy baby cupid; instead, make today a love party. Bask in the love of Jesus. If that’s difficult for you, ask Him to reveal to your heart how He truly feels about you.
Give the people in your life–coworkers, family members, friends, kids, your significant other–a little extra love. Call your grandma. Reach out to a lonely neighbor. Tell your dad you appreciate him. Invite a coworker to lunch–your treat. Get together with your girlfriends and tell them how much they mean to you and watch funny movies and drink wine.
Celebrate love with your people–all of them.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end. I Corinthians 13:4-7
