Happy Valentine's Day in Perspective

Our sons have been looking forward to Valentine’s Day. Today, they will be going to a valentine’s day party where they will trade cards and sweet treats with friends. We all worked hard this past weekend making cards and putting goody bags together. We must have made over 50 cards, but they didn’t mind all the work. They were just excited to celebrate love! Meanwhile, mommy is exhausted J

During my quiet and recovery time with the Lord this morning, He instructed me to remind the boys of His great love for them. From the moment they wake up to the time they close their eyes to go to bed, they are to hear how much Jesus loves them. So, all day, we have been talking and singing about the love of Jesus. They are even more excited now. I believe God doesn’t want them to get lost in the shuffle of all the valentine activities. He also wants them to hold on to what is truly important – the redeeming love of Jesus Christ!

Valentine’s Day! A day set aside for family and friends to express love for one another. On this day, we feel treasured, celebrated, and loved. This time can also evoke unpleasant feelings in us. Feelings of disappointment, loneliness, rejection, jealousy, envy, and lust can drive us to commit acts of sin, if we don’t guard against them.

The Bible admonishes us to “keep [our] heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

No one is above temptation. We will all get hit with negative thoughts, but we are not to dwell on them. For if we do, we will find ourselves in regrettable situations. Rather, we are to focus on God’s love for us. Meditating on His love will bring us joy, comfort and peace.

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. – Isaiah 26:3
 
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

Cards, flowers, candy, and jewelry are all wonderful expressions of love, but they are only material things that will fade away with time. However, God’s love is lasting and eternal. It is to be celebrated not only on Valentine’s Day, but every day of our lives.

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. – Jeremiah 31:3b

God’s love is powerful enough to eclipse our setbacks.

You may not get that diamond ring you've always wanted; yet, you are still valuable in God’s eyes.

Since you were precious in My sight,

You have been honored,
And I have loved you; - Isaiah 43:4a

You may be left on your own today, but be assured that you are not alone. God is with you always.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5   

 
…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. – Matthew 28:20b

Perhaps, you’re missing a loved one who is miles away or has departed this life. Take comfort in knowing that the God of all comfort is right there by your side. He is willing to console you and fill the vacuum in your heart, if you reach out to Him.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

– 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

If you have received some form of affection today, rejoice and take it as a sign of God’s love for you. Celebrate His goodness! Let us remember that He is the One who has blessed us with a loving family, good friends, and heartwarming gifts. We get to enjoy His blessings, because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. He paid the price for our sin, in full, on the cross.

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. – John 3:16

This is the highest expression of love that anyone would ever show us! And to know this love intimately is the greatest gift we could ever receive.