I celebrated Valentine’s Day with abandon when my wife was still at my side. I spent a silly amount on Hallmark cards and overpriced roses throughout our 41 years of marriage. I would do it all again! I do not think that there is such a thing as 'too much' when it comes to celebrating love and marriage.
I remember one Valentine's card I bought (just for fun) that was the size of a framed picture! The picture of the rose printed on the front was frighteningly large, almost grotesque. When Bev opened it, she laughed - "What am I supposed to do with this?" Her reaction was priceless, momentarily her surprise overcame her general disposition to be kind in her words.
Valentine’s Day is important even though it is commercialized and trivialized because love must be nurtured. It is a foolish spouse who neglects tender words and gentle caresses because “we said our vows and nothing’s changed.” Love that is assumed easily dies. To the men particularly I say this; those who are really 'in love' are never too sophisticated for Valentine's Day. Romance is not about careful calculation or sophistication. It is a heart thing!
Of course, there will be plenty of fake love spread around tomorrow. Cards, chocolate, and flowers will be purchased to make an impression, to manipulate, or to just meet expectations. The symbols must rest on the reality if they are to be meaningful. Without genuine affection and esteem in daily words and actions, the roses or cards can become an offense.
Real love is not often portrayed in our pop songs and movies. In 2026 love and sex are all tangled up, a ‘hook-up’ supposedly the same as an intimate commitment of mind and body. Do not get me wrong about that. Sexual attraction is a part of love. The Bible is quite clear about that. There is an entire book devoted to it in the Old Testament. (Song of Solomon.)
Paul tells Christian couples "Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again. . .." (1 Corinthians 7:5, NLT)
I’m sure you know that but I will say it anyway. Love is more than pleasure and intimacy. This passage is a call to the best kind of Valentine celebration. We are taught that "Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. .... For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love." (1 Corinthians 13:7-11, 13, CEV)
The card, those red roses are nice, but they can never replace selfless giving of one’s self and time. We must seek to know the other person deeply, to understand and accept them even when their ways and ideas are challenging. The love described above will survive long after the hormones that spark sexual passions have diminished with age. It gives a beauty that really is more than 'skin deep.'
A final thought – Love is not just for spouse, family, or friend.
Real love is the very essence of the nature of God. Think deeply about these inspired words – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4)
Jesus said
that all the commandments are summed up in just two –
1. “Love God whole-heartedly.”
2. “Love others in the same way that you love yourself.”
Even if you are not romantically tied to anyone - celebrate love! Love, like Christ loved you! It will change your world; yes, that love will come back to change you!
Here is a word from the Word- “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the godless do that.” (Matthew 5:45-47)
Happy Valentine's Day.
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