Love is In the Air

During this time of year we are often enamored by the huge displays of red and pink hearts, teddy bears, and flowers.  Women in particular may be lulled by the subliminal messaging behind it all.  Men on the other hand may feel pressured to perform (and perform well) by the implications of the season.  I had a whole discussion about whether men should ask their girlfriends or significant others to be their valentines even after years of marriage or being together with my family and then I took it to social media to stir the pot.  While I had fun having that discussion, the topic took me down memory lane. 

I remember as a child that the major aspect of Valentine's Day was asking or being asked "will you be my valentine?"  The sense of excitement would set in at the prospect of being asked by a crush and nervousness would creep behind it at the thought of "what if no one asked me."  I can't recall having many valentine's at a school age, I remember one fairly clearly and I broke his heart for fear of bringing a giant teddy bear home and having to explain to my over zealous parents who was the boy doting on me in Junior High School.  But.... every year without fail, my father would come through as my valentine bringing me roses, a card, and a candy heart from grade school to today.  My fathers actions instilled in me that no matter whether the world saw my worth or showed me love on Valentine's day, he would always love me.  

In the same way, Jesus showed us his love over 2000 years ago.  He made the ultimate grand gesture of love when he assumed the cross in our place and made the ultimate sacrifice.  His ultimate sacrifice took us off the hook for sin and placed us on the map for eternal life.    Not only that, Jesus's blood is still effective today and His mercies are new every morning.  No matter how far away we may feel from his love, He is always waiting for us with open arms.  God chooses us everyday to be his valentine.  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.  That is God's love letter to us.  Not just one day a year but everyday of our lives.  We have been chosen as the Bride of the Lamb and Jesus's sacrifice is the ultimate display of love and affection.  When He died on the cross it was an invitation to be our eternal valentine.  Will you accept him today and receive his eternal love?  Not only will you feel his love this valentine season, but if you open up the door of your heart he will show you love for more than a life time.  

The same way my father came through for me in different times of my life-- including Valentine's day whether or not I had a valentine-- Jesus will come through for you.  The eternal love of a father will never run out.  Let him in and accept your valentine today.