Love is a word that conjures up many thoughts and feelings. It's an emotion whose layers run deep. It's a word so powerful that a holiday has been built around it.
While the origins of Valentine's Day are unclear, most trace it to the canonization of the martyr named Valentine. One of the martyrs is said to have been executed for continuing to perform marriages despite a ban by Emperor Claudius II. That legend is likely how Valentine's Day became associated with love. In our modern culture, the day has come to be filled with cards, candies, flowers, and gifts. These items are exchanged between individuals as an expression of love and affection.
But does Valentine's Day genuinely represent genuine love?
For as long as the world has existed, there have been conversations and stories about love and its power to impact lives. Webster defines love as "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or to hold dear." Pop culture makes love appear to be an instant attraction that can just as quickly fade away. Psychology tells us there are at least seven different types of love. And history conveys that love can change the world.
So, what makes love so impactful?
The answer is simple: its Creator.
The Bible says many things about love. The word is mentioned 310 times in the King James translation alone. The most prominently known definition of love from the Bible comes from the first book of Corinthians—
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
Those are strong attributes and ones that are not always on display. But it's not the only lofty attribute of love the Bible espouses. Here are two more—
Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Love is powerful because its Creator is love.
There are many facets to God's love, but His love will always be the most excellent and most perfect. The love that saves us from death fills the empty spot in our human hearts, provides hope and joy even in desperate times, and eventually makes us perfect one day too.
The trappings of Valentine's Day have their place, and they hold special meaning for many. But it's not the gestures that make love meaningful, it's the foundation. When you build love from the foundation of the Creator, genuine, lasting love grows. Valentine's Day should remind Christians not to lose sight of the love of the One who first loved us.
For His is the Greatest Love of All.
May our hearts hunger for a word from the Lord this Valentine's Day, as the psalmist writes, “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure” (Psalm 119:162). Today, spend time reading a love letter from the Lord and consider writing one to Him.
Photo Credit: Photo provided by Dr. David Jeremiah
