Modern Valentine’s Day
Anyone observing our society today would most likely conclude that we’ve gone a bit “off the rails.” The definition of “love” has become twisted and distorted, almost beyond recognition. Those who know nothing about Jesus want to tell his followers what it means to love. To the Western world, love means anyone can fall in love with anyone, and love means never disagreeing with anyone about anything. But we know that’s not truth. So, what is love and how do we celebrate it in a way that honors God?
A Bit of Romance
It is increasingly important to celebrate love and marriage between a man and a woman. Kids are taught and pressured to be anything they want to be and to love whomever they want to love at any given moment. There is no security in that viewpoint. The most important anchor in a child’s life, and the factor that is the highest predictor of a child’s success, is a home with a mother and father who are married and love each other. Psychologists and scientists have tried for years to prove this isn’t true and that one lifestyle is just as good as another, but the numbers (and common sense) do not bear that out. If Pinterest is any indication, a lot of people are looking for ways to make the day special and meaningful for their children. The answer is simple. The most important thing you can do for your kids this Valentine’s Day is to let them see you celebrating it with your husband. It can be easy to take for granted the security that kids find in mom and dad loving each other, especially when kids act like it’s the most embarrassing thing they have ever seen and hide their faces or roll their eyes. It is good for them to see their parents love each other.
A Bit of Love
But what is a good way to celebrate Valentine’s Day if you don’t have kids or a husband? The good news is romantic love is not the only kind of love that needs celebrating. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as “The Love Chapter,” and what an excellent passage it is. Right before The Love Chapter, Paul is discussing spiritual gifts like healing, prophesying, and speaking in tongues. At the end of chapter 12 he says, “And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” He describes love as a better way than all the spiritual gifts. Love changes lives. If you don’t have a spouse to celebrate with, find someone in your life who needs love and love them. Maybe you know someone who has lost their spouse to death or divorce. Perhaps there is a single person in your life for whom Valentine’s Day is a little painful. Maybe you know a kid who won’t get any valentines and needs a pick-me-up from a friend. Contrary to popular opinion, love doesn’t always appear in a big romantic gesture. Oftentimes a little note, a flower, or a visit can turn someone’s day around. Loving someone is free; being loved is priceless.
This Valentine’s Day, maybe it's time to take the pressure off yourself and do something simple and loving for someone in your life. It will make you feel good. It will make someone else feel good. It will make God smile to see His children loving their neighbors and one another.
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