Valentine's Day was never a holiday or day that I particularly cared for growing up. Until I started dating my husband, in fact, I had NEVER had a Valentine (and we met when we were 19). Even then, Valentine's Day was still a very Hallmark holiday that seemed over done. But now that I have kids, I kind of love Valentine's day. A day to celebrate LOVE. Cliche, I know, but I love love. But, what is love?


Well, the bible has a LOT to say about love. Here are just a few verses:

1. "For God so LOVED the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
2. But God demonstrates his own LOVE for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
3. "LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. LOVE does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
4. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE." 1 Corinthians 13:13
5. "There is no fear in LOVE. But perfect LOVE drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in LOVE. 1 John 4:18
6. "If you LOVE those who LOVE you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners LOVE those who LOVE them...But LOVE your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back." Luke 6:32, 35a.
7. "LOVE must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Romans 12:9
8. "Greater LOVE has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13
9. "But I tell you LOVE your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."Matthew 5:44
10. "Above all, LOVE each other deeply, because LOVE covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

So whether you celebrate Valentine's Day or not, I think we all can get on board with celebrating love and the ultimate love God has shown to us by giving up His son, Jesus. And if you don't have a Valentine this year, don't fret. God is the ULTIMATE Valentine in that He gave EVERYTHING for you. He loves you to the ends of the universe and will never stop pursuing you and loving you. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And that is what we are going to celebrate in our house this Valentine's Day.