When I entered the grocery store several weeks ago, a huge display of Valentine’s Day goodies greeted me just inside the entrance. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m always glad to discover chocolate at any time of year-but it seems like I just cleared away the Christmas decorations, so I wasn’t quite ready for another holiday. In addition to the candy, there was a looming mountain of stuffed animals of every shape and size. And, of course, there were flowers-bunches and bunches of bouquets that filled the air with a fragrant aroma.
Fortunately I made it through this Valentine gantlet safely (although I did put one bag of dark chocolates in my cart), but I have thought about that scene several times since my visit. What is it about the 14th of February that starts our hearts and minds thinking about love? Sure, Cupid is cute, and hearts are happy little shapes-yet there’s got to be more to that age old message, “Be Mine, Valentine.”
And there is more-much more than we can ever imagine!
You see, God is love . . . and the simple fact that we’re His number one creation means we want to be in touch with that kind of love, too! Humans long to be loved-and to give love-because that’s what it means to be made in the image of our caring Creator. The Apostle John-the “beloved” disciple of Jesus-reminds us of this very fact:
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us . . . We love because he first loved us.”
I John 4:16b-17, 19
Talk about an incurable romantic! The Lord woos us and waits patiently for us. He won’t force His love upon us, but instead our Heavenly Father shows His compassion in the most subtle ways. Rather than sending flowers, He gives us the warm, glowing sunshine to greet us each morning. No diamonds are needed-we’ve got thousands of glistening stars to dazzle our eyes every evening. The soft, soothing sounds of water falling or birds singing are among the music He makes on our behalf.
What message is God sending through these and, so many other, daily miracles? That He loves us with everything that is in Him . . . so much that He even sent His Son Jesus to save us! The Lord wants to protect us and provide for us, and He actually wants us to be part of His forever family:
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are . . .
I John 3:1
So as you purchase your Valentine’s Day cards, plan for a special evening out, or sample the treats your sweetheart gives you, spend some time thinking about the Lord who cares for you with an everlasting love. And remember when you hear the words “Be Mine” that they reflect His exact thoughts about you!
Many blessings to you and your loved ones this month from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of the Month
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
I John 4:11 -12