It is a nice crisp February morning and talk about Valentine’s Day is all around. For some people it is a magical day and for others it is not so much fun. If we are being honest, it should be a day to commemorate the persecution of a Christian (St. Valentine). But we give into the pressure of social media, friends and society and hope for a real life romcom valentine.
‘4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’
-1 Corinthians 13:4-7
How can we adhere to Paul’s prescription of how to love, if we set aside only a day of two a year to love our special someone? I think the pressure to have an outward expression of a deeply personal thing will ruin our peace of mind. Expensive gifts, chocolates, dinners and obligatory date nights cannot replace the instructions underscored for us in the Bible.
‘21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.’
-Ephesians 5:21
And
‘8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.’
-1 Peter 4:8
In my humble opinion, everyday should be an expression of love. Couples should love each other and be eager to spend time with each other. I am grateful for a spouse that finds me attractive every day, with or without make up, snotty and sick or in the pink of health. He expresses his love in many small and big gestures every chance he gets. Why is this so effortless for him? How can I stay secure in his love for me? It is because he loves and obeys our good Lord first.
We heard a sermon about how to grow closer to your spouse and here is the gist. The world will ask you to have a checklist of items when picking out a spouse, the only thing you need on the list is to be sure that the one you want to be married to loves Jesus above all else. Even more than you. When both of you love the Lord above all else, you will grow close to each other and be blessed with numerous hallmark movie moments. Your journey will be fulfilling and steeped in love. May your days be filled with love, not just on Valentine’s Day.
‘5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’
-John 15:5
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for loving us first. Thank you for navigating our relationships with everyone that you placed in our lives. Please teach me to learn to love like You and love You. May I bring You glory through the love I share. Amen.