Happy Valentines Day.

I guess with the arrival of Valentines Day, now would be a good time to share this message. I’ve actually been meditating on the following thoughts for a couple of weeks. Now it’s time to share…

Though there are many different beliefs regarding St. Valentines and how this holiday came to be, we traditionally celebrate it as a day to exchange gifts, flowers and cards. These gestures are usually intended to express our love towards someone.

When I think about love, I immediately think of Paul’s letter in the first book of Corinthians. Although we’ve all heard the verses, I started to wonder how many times love is addressed in the bible. If you go to biblegateway.com (my favorite) and type in “love,” you will see 697 verses that refer to love! Hmm. It’s pretty safe to say that love is the main doctrine of the bible.

“And these three remain: faith hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

I want to offer two thoughts for consideration.

Number one. If you are fortunate enough to have someone in your life in which to share this day, remember why that is.

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

The only reason we get the awesome privilege to love is because we are loved by the creator of the universe. Not only are we loved by Him, but He is head-over-heals in love with us!

“Those who are loved the best love the best.” Pastor Rob Koke, Shoreline Christian Center – Austin, TX

Isn’t this cool? Do you receive God’s love? When you accept His love and grace, you have the awesome opportunity to extend it to others.

Number two. If you are single this Valentines Day, remember that this is just a season in your life. I’ve come to realize that God usually wants me alone when he really needs to talk to me. God has used me in some pretty profound ways as a single man.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

“Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

And you thought you were alone? Someone is thinking of you this Valentines Day. There is someone after your heart no matter what your circumstances.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Paul’s gospels?

Maybe you’ve been single for 5 years. Maybe you’ve been married for 20 years. The truth is, not one person on this earth can love you and satisfy you like our Savior. Yes, he puts people in our path who express His love towards us, but all of Him is more than enough. God created us as relational beings. He also blessed us with free will. He did this so that we can choose to love Him. My heart goes out to anyone reading this. Please don’t miss out on the greatest romance this life has to offer – the loving relationship you can have with God. I promise you He will meet your every need.

This Valentines Day, let’s express some glory, honor, praise and love for God. Happy Valentines Day…

In Christ,

James