You Need to Know the Lie of Valentine’s Day
[Tweet “”A baby is born with a need to be loved . . . and never outgrows it.” ~Frank A. Clark, The Country Parson”]
Everyone is born with an inherent need to be loved . . . this complex feeling that’s hard to explain. From first inhale to final exhale and beyond you and I were created for love.
What is Love?
Is it just a feeling? A nervous stomach surge of hormones? Light-headed giddiness? Does it just happen or is it a choice?
Webster’s Dictionary says love is:
A Google search of the question, “what is love?” pulls up access to more than a billion links. It is the number one searched for question on the internet.
Everyone craves the feeling. It’s like a drug. The butterflies and bliss.
But is that really love.
Jesus said, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34
The love Jesus was talking about is sacrificial and selfless.
- with patience and kindness
- without jealousy, pride, or selfishness
- with justice, truth, and faithfulness
- with faith and hope
It’s not about how we feel but about how we care.
So What’s the Lie about Valentine’s Day?
At this time of year, the focus is on feelings of romantic love and too often leaves the uncoupled wondering what’s wrong with them. They’re left with a longing and doubt . . . feeling left out and less than.
Valentine’s Day can be very hard for singles.
Because the lie of Valentine’s Day says…
You are less without candlelight and romance.
You are less unless you are half of a pair.
You are less than without a “Valentine.”
The better truth, not just on Valentine’s Day but everyday is…
You are loved.
You are beautiful.
You are cherished and precious.
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you;
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
Isaiah 43:3–4 (MSG)
And don’t be wishing you were
someplace else or with someone else.
Where you are right now is God’s place for you.
Live and obey and love and believe right there.
God, not your marital status, defines your life.
1 Corinthians 7:17 (MSG)
You have all you need to love others as God pours His love into and through you.
You Can Break the Power of the Lie
♥Know you are enough just the way God made you.
You are precious, cherished, and loved by the God of the universe.
♥Reach out to others with love.
Remind them that they are precious, cherished, and loved.
[Tweet “Break the lie of Valentine’s Day. “]
Don’t let the lie linger. It’s time to trust the truth . . . You are covered with so much love you have more than enough to share.
“Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another.” ~George Eliot
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I know of the struggle of Valentine’s Day Deb. My oldest daughter, whom I love with all my being, is still single and suffers through this “worst of days” every year. We need to do just what you have advocated. Tell people they are loved without exception.
I remember Valentine’s Day being hard when I was a teen, but I know it’s much harder for single adults. It’s similar to Mother’s Day for those longing for a little one. It’s an important message that neither makes them less. God loves and it’s our calling to love too!
Love this, Deb! So true, so important and you have a lovely way of expressing it. I had to pin this.
Debbie, It’s so great to hear from you! Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Amen! The way single people or those in a relationship with someone who doesn’t make a big deal out of Valentine’s day always makes me feel really horrible. Love does not come in a heart-shaped box or a Hallmark card. We know where it comes from–God–and he’s so much more than chocolate or paper or roses.
Thank you for this insightful post, Deb. People DO need to know that God is over-the-top in love with them, and that is truly all that matters. Blessings!
Thanks Kristen! I’m so glad you found me and left a comment. Your site is awesome. I liked your FB page signing up for every notification! Great looking recipes!
I love that question, ‘When did you stop to question’ love’s philosophy’? That is such a deep thought, because love it innate in our hearts when we are filled by His spirit, God is Love. When we are full of HIM… we have love, we can give REAL love. Yet, when we question if we are loved, we miss the very premise of His indwelling within us.
Loved this,Deb. It is perfect for everyone who ever stops to question.
Blessings,
Daw
Amen! Great message wonderfully written.
Hi Deb, linking over from Grace and Truth. I’ve been thinking about this topic lately, with concern towards those who aren’t in a romantic relationship during this time of year. It’s hard. Your words are so sweet and encouraging. Thank you for writing this.
What a lovely blog! Quotations, pictures, and, best of all, truth! So glad to have discovered you over at Still Saturday! Blessings to you!
Hi Deb,
Thank you for your insight and helping me this Valentine’s weekend,; as I reflect on the paths of my two children, my sister-in-law, and many others!
How hurtful the media onslaught for Valentine’s Day can be for so many loving individuals! Hopefully, God’s grace and the Love of our Savior will help all of us to view Valentine’s Day from a healthy perspective.
I love the truth in this post, Deb. It takes an intentional effort to set our minds on truth, to have them renewed with what God says (rather than what our emotions/others may say). This is an excellent reminder. Thank you!
And, thanks for linking up at Front Porch Inspired last week and this week! Your support is an encouragement.
God bless,
Anne 🙂
Both yours and your husband’s Valentines’ posts are great! This one is especially tender. Looking forward to sharing these! Have a beautiful weekend!
Deb, This is so good! Valentine’s does tell us a lie, doesn’t it? it starts so early. Who did or didn’t get a “special” Valentine at the school party? It began the tale of valuable or not …
Hugs,
Lori