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“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:13
Hearts and flowers decorate homes and stores. Cards are bought in abundance. Everywhere you look – affection and devotion fill the air because February is the month of love.
What is so important about celebrating love? Why is a day like Valentine’s Day so special? Is it simply a ploy for card companies to make more money and corporate America to sell more things. Possibly. But, I believe there is more to it than that.
Love is the essential component to who we are as humans. In fact, it is a part of two of the greatest commandments Jesus left for us. He called upon each of us to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind,’ and to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ He did not say to only love those you deem lovable. He did not instruct us to only show love to our family. No. He reminds us to love God and to love all others.
This is why we celebrate love. It is a reminder of God’s calling for each of us. Certainly, we need to take the time to remind our families that we love them; but, we also have to remind those around us that we do as well.
I’d like to challenge you to something different this year. In addition to your normal Valentine’s Day traditions, I encourage you to seek out a neighbor, a co-worker, or simply a stranger and surprise them with a Valentine – not because you want something in return, but simply because you are called to love them.