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The Valentine season is upon us! It is estimated that 27.5 billion dollars will be spent on this day in the US alone. That averages to about $188 per person, if you’re interested!

Yet, it is a day that merged two unloving occasions together-the day at least one martyr, Valentinus, was executed for his faith in Christ, and a day that celebrated a lewd Roman festival on February 15th. Over the years these two have been recognized as one day, Valentine’s Day. Many think it became a day remembered for love due to Geoffrey Chaucer’s and Shakespeare’s references in their writing, but the first Valentine in America was made and sold in 1847 by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts. And so it began….

Now, I love wearing red and pink and heart earrings and reminding my favorite people how much I love them, so I am not insinuating we shouldn’t celebrate this day.  What I want to remind us is that Valentine’s Day was not started as a measure of how loved we are-whether we receive a dozen roses or whether our heart is breaking or if we are anywhere in between.

I want to remind each of us that we are loved every single day of the year, regardless of where we are on this day.

The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, says you are unique, you are loved, and you are special to Him. He designed you and He thought about you before the world was created, while He was hanging on the cross, and every single moment since. God’s Word tells us He showed us the greatest love of all, “There is no greater love than that a man would lay down His life for His friends.” (John 15:13 NLT) He showed the ultimate love. Believe it, accept it, and double check your emotions with it.

If this season doesn’t meet your worldly expectations, remember that your Father in Heaven adores you. You are desired, you are wanted, you are cherished and you belong. If this season meets all your worldly expectations, remember that your Father in Heaven adores you. You are desired, you are wanted, you are cherished, and you belong.

Take a quick internal check this Valentine’s Day and make sure these truths have sunk deep into your heart. We want to make it a habit to not measure ourselves by what this world screams at us-on a day that began with nothing to do with love-and know we are deeply loved by the One who created it all. Spend time with God and tell Him how much you love Him!

“Lord, thank you for loving me unconditionally, holding me close when life is hard, and never leaving me. I love You.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life