Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. Valentine merchandise, cards, and candy have been in the stores since before Christmas.
A National Retail Federation report NRF | 2024 Valentine’s Day consumer trends (February 5, 2024) states “Sparks are flying this Valentine’s Day as consumers get ready to show their loved ones how much they care. Overall, consumers plan to spend $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day this year — an average of $185.81 per person, according to the annual survey by NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics.”
The focus of Valentine’s Day is primarily romantic love. It is also widely celebrated with family members and friends. Valentine’s Day is often a happy, exciting day, and it can be a difficult day for some. These celebrations often promote unrealistic expectations, selfishness, and materialism.
I want to take a few minutes of your time to present a biblical contrast to secular views of love. Valentine’s Day can help Christ-followers focus our attention on the source of love—God.
God created the universe and everything in it, including love. He is the origin and source of all love. God is love, and love is God. This love is an essential aspect of God’s nature that we see in and through His actions. His love is the ultimate expression of love, and it serves as the standard by which all other love is measured. God’s love inspires and sustains all love.
How does God’s love work in our lives?
God’s love TRANSFORMS.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
It has the power to transform our lives as it helps us to become more like Him and to live a life filled with love and compassion for others.
God’s love strengthens.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
… fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
It gives us strength and courage to face life’s challenges and to overcome adversity—even our addictive choices.
God’s love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
It never fails, even when we do. It is constant, consistent, and reliable, no matter what we have done, where we have been, and what addictive choices we have made.
God’s love protects.
Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his pinions (feathers), and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
It provides us with protection and safety that keeps us from harm and guides us through difficult times.
God’s love triumphs.
1 John 5:4
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
God’s love is victorious and always triumphs over evil and darkness—including our addictive choices.
God’s love endures.
Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
It is able to withstand any trial and hardship, and it is a source of comfort and strength in the midst of our trials and hardships.
God’s love loves.
1 John 4:16
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
It is the ultimate expression of love, and it is a love that is greater than anything our finite minds can comprehend.
Our finite minds cannot comprehend the full meaning and implications of God’s love. It has the power to transform our lives, give us strength and courage, protect us, triumph over evil, endure through all things, and love unconditionally.
God’s love is the foundation of our faith and is always available to us.
The love of God is a deep, unconditional love that can provide us with the comfort, support, and strength we need to overcome the challenges we face.
On this Valentine’s Day, may the love of God flow in and through us to those whom we encounter throughout our day.
NOTE: You may be interested in this devotional “The Love of God.”
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