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)
Valentine’s Day, the celebration of love and affection, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast Day of Saint Valentine, is celebrated every February 14. It originated as a Western Christian liturgical feast day, honoring one or more early saints named Valentinus, and it is recognized as a significant cultural and commercial celebration in many regions around the world, although it is not a public holiday in any country. During the 18th century, it evolved into an occasion on which lovers expressed their affection for each other by presenting flowers, offering sweets, and sending greeting cards knows as “valentines.” In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers; Wikipedia explains that the key is given “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart.”
So . . . not knowing where this finds you and just how you might observe Valentine’s Day, I want to offer you a word of cosmic comfort: Did you know that you have been given the “Key” that unlocks God’s heart? That Key is Christ!
God gave the world Christ, the Key who unlocks God’s heart and opens the door leading into eternal life. When you, by grace through faith, believe that Jesus died on a cross for your sins and was raised from death on the third day and you transfer your trust to Him as your Lord and Savior, you possess the Key that opens the floodgates of God’s love into your life.
God’s love sought, caught you, and bought you with the precious blood of Christ. And if that knowledge is not enough to meet you in your place of deepest need for love today, consider this: there is nothing in the universe that can ever or will ever separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39).
For many, Valentine’s Day is a painful reminder of a lost love. As a pastor, I am reminded of this truth by way of my ministry to others. But there is a love that can never be lost. There is a love that transcends every earthly and temporal love. And that love is yours in Jesus Christ. He is the Key who will unlock the door of the eternal love that is as unconditional as it is unwavering.
You may not have an earthly love today to share Valentine’s Day with, but you have a heavenly love that invites you to go further in and further up into your relationship with Jesus, who promised that He would never leave you nor forsake you. You have His Word on that truth.
So regardless of where this finds you today, Happy Valentine’s Day! The one who “so loved you” that He gave His one and only Son for you told me to tell you that.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 