The Lover of Your Soul & The Longing of Your Heart
It is estimated that more than 50% of US consumers celebrate Valentine’s Day and that last year $26 billion was spent on the holiday. (If you’re wondering, this same research suggests on average, a consumer spends $192 on their Valentine’s celebration, which puts the measly $5 I spend on cards to shame!)
One thing is clear: the human heart longs to love and to be loved. And marketers have mastered how to tap into this longing. But what they’ve discovered is nothing new. In fact, the top categories they’ve identified as the most popular ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day can lead us straight to the pages of Scripture and remind us: Jesus is our greatest love and the longing of every heart. Let’s consider each category and compare it to the words or actions of Christ.
Retail: The first thing you probably associate with Valentine’s Day is chocolates, flowers, or other gifts, isn’t it?
Jesus gave the greatest gift: one that could not be purchased in a store or ordered on Amazon. He gave the gift of Himself when He willingly left Heaven and then again when He willingly went to the cross to pay the penalty of our sin and purchase our salvation. Nothing could ever come close to the expression of such love.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)
Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:7-8)
Travel: Romantic getaways are another popular way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Who wouldn’t want to spend time with the one they love?
While not a getaway, Jesus continually invites us to Himself.
‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘though your sins are like scarlet, they shall become as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’ (Isaiah 1:18)
Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)
Dining: Restaurants are a big winner each Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s Michelin starred or McDonald’s, does it even matter?!
But even more special than a seat at the fanciest of tables is the invitation to join Him at His. A table has been set, and you and I have been invited to feast on His faithfulness.
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Psalm 107:9)
How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. (Psalm 36:7-8)
You might celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with your husband, children, or friends. Or you may not. You may receive a special bouquet of flowers or a tasty box of chocolates, or even enjoy a getaway or delicious dinner that you did not have to cook. Or you may not.
Whether the day exceeds your expectations or leaves you feeling let down and disappointed, look to Jesus. Recall the gift He gave, the invitation He extends, and the table He set. He is the only One who can love you perfectly and satisfy you completely.
He displayed and declared His love for you in the most lavish of ways. This year let’s make Paul’s prayer our own:
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. (Ephesians 3:18-19a)
To further contemplate God’s love, we pray you are blessed by this “love letter from God” and these February resources we've compiled with you and your relationships in mind.
With much love in Christ,
Cara Blondo