It’s about more than a box of chocolates

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Sanctification”

Our Bible verse for today: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

Our thought for today: “It’s about more than a box of chocolates.”

It is often said that love is a verb. It is an action word. If you love someone it will show in your actions. It’s easy to say you love someone, but it takes intentionality and effort to prove it by what you do for them. For instance, God didn’t just say He loves us, He proved it by sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins. Love is a verb, an action word. One of the marks of a spiritually mature Christian, one who has progressed far in the process of progressive sanctification, is that they are known for their demonstrations of love for others.

Today is Valentine’s Day. Nowadays it’s all about celebrating romantic love. Cards will be sent, gifts will be given, and sweethearts will express their love for each other. There will be candlelight dinners, pink Teddy Bears holding red hearts, boxes of chocolates, and much more. But what about those who don’t have a valentine partner? Is Valentine’s Day – this celebration of love, not for them too?

It could be, and it should be, and it will be, if our understanding of the day is correct. Valentine’s Day was named after “Saint Valentine,” a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the early 200’s. He was known for his sacrificial demonstrations of God’s love, especially to the poor and to those who were suffering and struggling. He was kind and compassionate, and he was committed to providing humanitarian relief to those in need.

Valentine’s Day was originally established in his honor and its purpose was to encourage Christians to engage in similar acts of Godly love and compassion. It wasn’t until the 1400s that the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer associated Valentine’s Day with romantic love.

What if we Christians reclaimed Valentine’s Day and used it for its original purpose – as a great outpouring of God’s love for the world? How much more meaningful and encompassing would the day then be? How much more of an impact for good would it then have? In John 21:15-19 Jesus famously asked Peter three times “Peter, do you love me?” And three times Jesus told him to prove it by caring for people – “Feed my sheep” Jesus told him.

Love is a verb. It is an action word. And Valentines Day is about more than a card, a box of chocolates, and teddy bears. Who will you show the Lord’s love to today? I encourage you to celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing the love of Jesus with someone. (By the way, Jesus loves you, and so do I. Happy Valentine’s Day!)

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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