Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day. It is quite possibly one of our most debated “holidays.” For some it is a special occasion to celebrate our love for a spouse, or significant other. For others, it is a made up day meant only to indulge in some extra candy. Wives look forward to it, husbands do their best to not forget it, and I’ve been told by more than one elementary teacher it's actually a crazier day at school than Halloween. Regardless of where you fall on the sliding scale of Valentine’s Celebration one thing is certain. It is never a bad idea to remind those around us that we love them and to pause and give thanks for those that love us in return.

Ephesians 5:25 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.”(NIV) It’s one thing to “love” your wife on your greatest day as a couple, but loving her “As Christ loved the Church," that is a whole new level of responsibility. Scripture constantly uses the imagery of marriage to describe Christ’s relationship with His people and His Church. I’ve learned that when scripture repeats itself, it is best to pay attention. God is pointing out to us, as husbands we must realize the magnitude of our relationship with our spouse. What I’m saying here is simple. Go ahead and buy the flowers, dinner, and yes even watch that sappy Rom-Com.

Psalms 127:3-4 says, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” (NIV)  Heritage is a powerful word. Lord willing our children will long out live us, and the lessons they learn and examples they witness will have a lingering impact long after we are gone. As a father your children are arrows, and we are being told here in the 127th Psalm that we are to be warriors for our family. Arrows are not  meant to be kept in the quiver, they are meant to be aimed, and released. What are we aiming our children at? Are we preparing them for release? So as a Dad, go ahead and buy your daughter those flowers and candy this Valentine’s Day, let your sons help you honor and celebrate their mother. Aim them in a biblical direction, so when they are released their trajectory is true, and the heritage you create is one you can be proud of.

Matthew 22: 37-39 are the verses this ministry was founded on, and verse 39 instructs us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV) Of all the people I’ve previously mentioned this is easily the trickiest. It is much easier to love those who return that love, but “neighbor simply means those around us. All those people whom God created. It is hard to love those who don’t reciprocate that love. I constantly have to remind myself that God loves these people just as much as he loves me. Regardless of how we “feel”, the truth is these folks deserve to hear about God’s love. I was recently reminded of this by my eldest son. Warning-Proud Dad moment coming up. 

Let me begin with this disclaimer. I take no credit for the story I am about to share. That belongs solely to God, His Holy Spirit, and my son for being intune with that Spirit and having the courage to respond. My son recently asked if he could start taking his Bible to school with him. Assuming his intent was to read it during his spare time; I granted his request. It wasn’t until a few days later that he informed me he had been sharing it with one of his classmates. This classmate wasn’t one of his “buddies.” The classmate was actually someone who had on more than one occasion given my son a pretty hard time. After a few days of sharing his bible, my son actually had the opportunity to share the gospel and help in guiding his classmate towards accepting Christ as his Savior. My son is nine years old, but in this moment he demonstrated more love for his neighbor than most grown folks I know. Myself included. I’m fairly satisfied this is what Christ meant in Matthew 19:14 when he said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (NIV)

The goal of this post is simple. Love is one of God’s greatest gifts to His creation. Love provides the means of our salvation and reconciliation back to God through Christ. Spouses are the gift of a partner in this earthly life. Children are a gift that will last even after we are gone. Those “neighbors” need our love too. They need to see how we as Christians love one another, and to feel that love themselves. Maybe you don’t need a special day to be reminded of the significance of love in your life, maybe you do. Regardless, spend a few moments this Valentine’s Day giving thanks for those you love, and spend a few quiet moments and reflect on how well you are showing that same love to your neighbor.

God Bless,

Phil Johnson

Found J23 Ministries