Give Some Love Away

Valentine’s Day, 2022. If you’re happily married to your Valentine, or if you’re happily dating yours, I hope today is exactly as you wish it to be. Quite frankly, I don't know how people get through life without the love of someone—a mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, sweetheart, friend. Someone who loves them... regardless. Having that kind of love can get you through the toughest of times.

Jesus commands us to love one another—"as I have loved you." That is a tall order to fill, and it makes me wonder what Jesus would do if he were here in bodily form, handing out boxes of chocolates on Valentine's Day.

Would he focus his affection only on those who love him—as you and I usually do—or would he also give to those who hate him and hurt him?

We all know the answer to that: He would seek out those individuals who don't love him, and who don't "deserve" chocolates. And he wouldn't shove the chocolates in their faces and say, "Here! You know you don't deserve these, but you can have them anyway!" On the contrary, he would extend his offering of love and say, "These chocolates are just for you, my child. I bought your favorite kind, and I hope you enjoy every piece. Please remember that I loved you to the cross and back, and I always will... regardless."

My sincere prayer on this Valentine’s Day is to love everyone as He loves me—those who have wronged me; those who have used me; those who have falsely accused me. After all, if we only love those who love us, what have we done? The Message translation of Matthew 5:46 says it best: "If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that."

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all. Give some love away. It's a much-needed commodity.