Valentine's Day is a time to reflect either on our relationships or our singleness, but maybe we're missing out on the opportunity to dwell on a relationship that is firmly established, despite everything else going on in the world.
Human relationships are a gift, but ultimately don't satisfy.
God has declared that "It is not good that man should be alone" (English Standard Version, Gen. 2:18). God made Adam, so He then made Eve be a partner for him. Even Jesus "called to Him His twelve disciples" (Matt. 10:1). We know from the gospels that Jesus traveled with His disciples throughout His ministry, and that when He sent them out, He sent "them out two by two" (Mk. 6:7). Finally, the author of Hebrews admonishes us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24- 25).
God in His Word has consistently reassured us that Christian community and fellowship are blessings that flow straight from His heart.
That being said, it is not community or romantic relationships that save us. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). We live in a sin-ridden world where sin taints our minds, wills, and hearts. There isn't one aspect of our human nature that isn't corrupted by sin; Paul even goes as far to say that "you were dead in your transgressions and sins" (Eph. 2:1). Knowing the reality of our sinful nature, we can't rely on ourselves or anyone else to be fully satisfied and delivered from sin. As much as we love them, our friends, family, and community are flawed and will disappoint. However, we do know someone who has no flaws and will never disappoint.
The relationship that Jesus has established between God and us never fails.
Although we just covered the worst news in the world, it prepares us to receive the greatest news in the world! With singing hearts, we hear that "in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them" (2 Cor. 5:19). Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection we now "have peace with God" (Romans 5:1). Jesus has established a new relationship between God and man, one that is no longer defined by separation, but by reconciliation. God now accepts us on the basis that "the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7).
This new relationship of peace between God and us is something that cannot be undone. It's decreed, confirmed, and irreversible. It's by faith that we take hold of the promise of reconciliation and receive the benefits of Christ's work on the cross. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (Jn. 3:16). Whoever believes in the promise of forgiveness in Christ, whoever takes hold of it, whoever trusts in it, will live with God in heaven for eternity.
This relationship is what we should draw near to and take comfort in and is what our thoughts should dwell on this coming Valentine's Day. While we should be grateful for the relationships God has blessed us with in this life, our finest praise and thanks should be given for the relationship that His Son reestablished between us and Him.
We are now at peace with God!
