Valentine’s Day. A great holiday to remind us to love. I really like the idea of it. But, I’ve never really gotten into celebrating the day itself very much.

Typically, Valentine’s Day involves giving or receiving gifts. Most commonly given are flowers, chocolates, and jewelry.

Now, I love flowers! Their beauty and fragrance can really brighten a room.

For about two days.

Then, they start to wither and fade and drop things on my counter…

And, then there are chocolates. Ooey, gooey, pieces of pure goodness! I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate? I, unfortunately, love it a bit too much…

Jewelry is wonderful, but I have one neck and two ears. I’m set.

So, that kind of takes away a lot of the typical Valentine’s Day traditions for me.

Sorry, Honey.

But, as I was thinking more about this upcoming Valentine’s Day, I started to wonder – do we need a specific day set aside to show someone that we love them? Does the amount of money we spend correlate with how much we love them?

I know I don’t need a dozen roses that cost $73 (on average), or a box of chocolates that will cost me the ability to wear my favorite jeans, to know that I am loved.

To me, Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to love if we get off track – but I pray that showing love for others would be something we all did throughout the year. Not just grand gestures on one specific day and demonstrated by spending large amounts of money.

A Day to Love?

According to blueletterbible.org, the word, love, appears 526 times in the NIV version of the Bible in 58 of the 66 books. Apparently, God sees this as a very important topic.

One of the verses that struck me was what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians:

Do everything in love.

1 corinthians 16:14

Everything in love. Paul didn’t put any constraints on this instruction. Instead, anything we do should be done with a heart of love. This certainly applies to every-day just as it does to every-thing.

I love…

God’s greatest commandment is that we love Him first. With everything we have.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

matthew 22:36

And, we are called to love others, as well.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

Granted, there are some people we can struggle to love. We are to love God, our spouse, parents, children, families, neighbors… Even our enemies.

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:44-45

Regardless of who is in our lives, we need to show them love – even on January 30th, and even when it’s hard, even in year 51 of a marriage. While this may seem impossible for us at times, it’s not for God. Through His grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do that, too. I just read a great devotional this morning by Adriana Pineda that said, “God’s heart lives through us which allows us to love others as well.”

Thank God, that through Jesus, we can have fellowship with God and allow Him to work through us. Because, where does love come from?

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.

1 john 4:7

For love is from God. He is the source. And He loves us Every. Single. Day.

What I learned, and am still learning…

I love Valentine’s Day for what it symbolizes. But, I don’t want to limit my feelings of love to just one day. And, I don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking I have to put a price tag on the love I offer to others. I want to be in partnership and fellowship with God to help me show love to those around me every day of the year.

I can’t imagine showing love to God on just one day out of the year. Why should we do that with others?

So, instead of limiting this amazing gift God has given us and focusing on just one day in February, why not apply these principles in our lives every day?

Your thoughts?

What are some ways you show love to those in your life? There are so many references to love in the Bible. I’d love to hear your favorites! I can’t wait to hear from all of you!