Valentine's Day is celebrated in February of each year. In my opinion, it is the most commercialized event for which about $26 billion (yes, that’s with “b”) is spent on extravagant gifts, lavish dinners, and price-gouging bouquets. The National Retail Federation (NRF), a leading retail trade association in the US, estimates that the average consumer will spend almost $200 on Valentine's Day gifts!
Please know that I’m not a sexist or party pooper. I simply don’t appreciate the contrived occasion on which greedy corporations manipulate our emotions to generate exorbitant amounts of profit. I hope you understand the nature of my frustration and disdain. I’m not against love!
In fact, I absolutely believe in celebrating love. Authentic love among family and loved ones should be celebrated throughout the year. That’s why we have date nights, family meals, and special events and occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. But, a guilt-tripping, obligatory, global gift-giving day? That’s just too artificial and contrived. Just check out the commercials suggesting that one’s depth and degree of love are measured by the amount of money spent! Those commercials make people feel awful if we don’t buy expensive gifts!
Let’s take the time to carefully think about the concept of love. What is it? What makes someone lovable (or not)? How should we express love toward others? Do we know how to give and receive love? These are very, very important questions, and we must strive to seek biblical answers. This is a good topic to discuss this month at home, I believe.
If you have someone to love, then you’re fortunate. If you’re loved by someone, then you are blessed. And, even if you think no one in the world loves you, the Creator of the universe, God Himself, loves you. He knew you even before you were formed, and He hears your sighs, groans, prayers, and pleas. Don’t forget that truth–He knows you, and He loves you.
That's why I hope you’ll express your love to God on this occasion. You don’t need to buy Him flowers. You don’t need to give Him gold and silver. He doesn’t expect expensive meals from you. But, He delights in us when we, as His children, express our love to Him–just like how earthly parents are delighted in their grateful children.
How about telling Him something like, “God, you’re my valentine! And, I’m honored that You love me”? Let’s express our love to Him with words, prayers, worship, and even gifts if that is with your means. With that in mind, I hope you have a meaningful and memorable Valentine's Day.