How Can I Spread the Love of Christ This Valentine’s Day?
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Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?” is one of the most famous love poems in history. Her sonnet starts with words that are now iconic: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Although this poem conveys her love for her husband, people continue to use the words to express their romantic feelings for others.
While this holiday is an occasion of joy for many people, Valentine’s Day can also increase a person’s loneliness if they are single yet desire marriage or if they are married but experiencing problems.
Also, those who have lost loved ones can struggle during a day that emphasizes spending time with those they love.
If you know someone who is alone, suffering from grief, or experiencing a difficult season in their marriage, then you can use Valentine’s Day to encourage that person. Scripture reminds us that we should use our words to build each other up (Ephesians 4:29).
Taking time to talk to a hurting individual on the phone or in person could brighten their day. Also, a handwritten, beautiful card or carefully written text message can remind them that they are not forgotten.
In thinking of encouraging others, though, we need to remember that love involves action. As John reminds us, “Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18, NLT).
Telling someone that we are there for them and truly showing up in their time of need are two different things. So, if we tell someone that they can contact us if they need anything or that we will pray for them, we need to ensure that we intend to keep that promise before making it.
When we trust in Christ for salvation, we receive forgiveness of sins. As I noted earlier, nothing we do earns this grace. It is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Because believers received undeserved forgiveness from God through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can extend forgiveness to others (Ephesians 4:32).
The gospel also changes how we view forgiveness. Instead of expecting that others must change or “earn” our favor, we can show grace. Forgiving another person who has hurt or wronged us demonstrates the love of Christ in our life.
Forgiving someone might seem like a strange thing to do on Valentine’s Day, but extending grace to others embodies the love that Jesus showed us.
Taking the first steps toward forgiveness on this holiday could include talking to God or reading Bible verses about forgiveness (Psalm 103:8; Matthew 18:21-35; Colossians 3:13).
The ability to extend grace to someone may take time and cause us to struggle, but we do not have to do it alone. Forgiving others is possible in Christ.
Christians can enjoy chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s Day, but they should remember that love is best defined by Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Because of His death and resurrection, we have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. On this holiday that focuses on love, we can point people to Christ, the One who loves us the most.
For further reading:
Can Christians Enjoy Valentine’s Day?
How to Love More Than Just on Valentine’s Day
What Is Valentine's Day and Is it Connected to Christianity?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/anon-tae
