Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and already I can hear the whispers and the rushes to go out and find a valentine. It’s no surprise really. Every year is the same. Significant others buy each other those huge teddy bears that are as tall as they are and spend hundreds of dollars on chocolate, jewelry, and other materialistic stuff.
According to "Time," Americans, on average, spend a total of $150 dollars on Valentine’s Day, and some even more.
One thing that is certain; that fourteenth of February leaves a lot of single men and women feeling left out and heartbroken. But I’m here to break that stigma. Everyone has a valentine, but some just don’t realize it.
Who is it?
It’s Jesus.
He loves us more than anyone alive. More than your parents, significant other, siblings, and friends. He showed us His love, not by showering us with over-priced chocolate, or giant sized teddy bears, but with His unconditional love.
He loved us so much that He willingly died on that cross to save our sins. He went through all that pain and suffering just so we wouldn’t have to. What an insane type of love! Would you go be nailed up on a cross for love? I probably wouldn’t if I am being honest.
But Jesus cares for humanity and each and every one of us that He died. Literally.
We see the hashtag of “relationship goals” floating around Twitter, Instagram, and through the mouths of people constantly. We gawk at the cute photos of love birds and proposals and wish that we had that. Hundreds of songs are written about loneliness and feeling unloved and uncherished.
We are looking at the wrong things.
When we look to the world, we always want more, more, more. Our eyes are on others and Satan uses that to create chaos and jealousy. In fact, he thrives on it. But when we turn to Jesus, all that goes away. Peace, love and acceptance are what is left.
The true relationship goals are the ones that we have with Jesus. The one where He accepts us for who we are, sins and all. He takes our baggage from us and carries it Himself, allowing us to be made renewed in Him.
He gave us a gift far richer than anything the world can offer us (I know, I know, a giant teddy bear would be great too but… JESUS): Salvation. Just thinking about it gives me chills. The fact that Jesus loves us so much to give us this gift. A completely, free gift, for no reason at all except the fact that He loves us.
So all my singles out there: this Valentine’s Day, instead of dwelling in your singleness, celebrate the freedom you have to serve Christ. Enjoy this season and walk with Jesus through life, and eventually, someone will end up walking right alongside with you and Him.
To all the couples: Embrace the love but don’t focus on the materialistic things. Remember what Jesus did and the love He has for you. It’s not bad to celebrate the holiday, but don’t put it above the one who saved you.
So go out, be cheerful, love everyone, pass out chocolates and homemade cards, and be happy. Don’t let this season get you down because everyone has a valentine. Jesus. Use that day to spend some time with Him and reflect all He has done for you.
Also, don’t forget about the day after when all the chocolate goes on sale. That day in itself should be a holiday.