Today is Valentine’s Day, a day the world has so romanticized with flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and a very unrealistic portrait of what love looks like. In fact, many people around the globe are feeling the pressure of outdoing themselves to celebrate the ones they profess to love. However, love is not always as glamorous as mainstream media portrays it. In December, I read a blurb from the book “Quiet Spaces for Christmas” and I will share pieces of this reading with you today as we celebrate this day of love.

Love is not painless. It carries with it the likelihood of being wounded. Every relationship has the possibility of hurt. You can love and not be loved back. The ones you may love may not be loveable. Words can be said without thought, regrettable actions that can’t be undone can be undertaken, all in the name of love. God is not immune to the price of love either. He too cannot love without the possibility of being hurt and He has been hurt. He lamented over the hardness of the heart of His people throughout the Old Testament (Psalms 81:13) and continues to grieve over the hardness of our hearts in this present age. God created us and loves us and yet throughout history, God has been maligned, misunderstood, ignored, criticized, and mocked. Still, He continues to shower humankind with His grace. He extends favour to each of us in countless ways. His mercies are renewed every morning. He is patient and persistent with His love. He did not stop loving when the price of love cost Him his only Son.

As followers of Jesus, we can expect to share in the cost of love. We are not immune to the heartache of rejection, persecution, misunderstanding, strained relationships or losses. These may come from our own family or friends whom we deeply love. In those moments, remember that God understands what it is to love and not be loved in return. So today as we celebrate love, not everyone will be celebrating the same way.

Today may not be a pleasant day for people dealing with the pain of rejection, heartbreak, distance, impending divorces, child custody battles, the loss of a loved one, etc. Here is my encouragement to everyone whether you are being wooed in the thrills of the day, or if today leaves a bad taste in your mouth:

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 NLT

God knows; He cares; He delights in every detail of your life- the good, the bad, and the ugly! There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus! Take a moment to share with Him how your day is going.

Yours Truly

P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!