Valentine’s Day can be hard for many people. I know many who’ve lost a spouse since last year and could find this day tough. Many have experienced divorce and may have lingering pain. Others are single, and this day can remind singles of what they don’t have.
Of course, many enjoy this special day to honor, celebrate and love their spouse or significant other. Today is that day when you may be running to your nearest grocery store for a card, flowers, or Chocolate covered strawberries.
When I was single, I was determined to make that day special, no matter what. I didn’t want a Hallmark holiday to determine my emotions, identity, or status in life. I knew that Valentine’s Day was a special day to share God’s love by loving others well every day of the year.
Whatever ‘feels’ that Valentine’s Day conjures up in you, why not use this day to remind us to love as the way God challenges us to love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in The Message says: “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 the truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”
God demonstrated the greatest love when He loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth and die for our sins on the cross. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives us guidance in how to love sacrificially. Loving others like 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is a lofty goal. As you look over these verses, how do you want to grow in loving others well? Where do you fall short? God loves to help us love well every day of the year.
Let’s pray: Dear God, We have to all admit, we fall short of loving as You love. It’s so easy to be “me first” or fly off the handle when we don’t mean to. So often, our impatience shows more than our patience. Forgive us Lord for our lack of love. Help each one of us to love well, with these qualities in mind. Give us a love that is sensitive to those that are struggling, hurting, or grieving. Show us how to encourage others well. Teach us to love, Lord. Amen.
When I was single, I was determined to make that day special, no matter what. I didn’t want a Hallmark holiday to determine my emotions, identity, or status in life. I knew that Valentine’s Day was a special day to share God’s love by loving others well every day of the year.
Whatever ‘feels’ that Valentine’s Day conjures up in you, why not use this day to remind us to love as the way God challenges us to love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in The Message says: “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 the truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”
God demonstrated the greatest love when He loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth and die for our sins on the cross. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives us guidance in how to love sacrificially. Loving others like 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is a lofty goal. As you look over these verses, how do you want to grow in loving others well? Where do you fall short? God loves to help us love well every day of the year.
Let’s pray: Dear God, We have to all admit, we fall short of loving as You love. It’s so easy to be “me first” or fly off the handle when we don’t mean to. So often, our impatience shows more than our patience. Forgive us Lord for our lack of love. Help each one of us to love well, with these qualities in mind. Give us a love that is sensitive to those that are struggling, hurting, or grieving. Show us how to encourage others well. Teach us to love, Lord. Amen.
What would it look like to love God and love people? Take a listen to Danny Gokey (Love God Love People): https://www.youtube.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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