Feelings, Love & Valentine's

Can feelings be made to order? Can you say, "self, be terribly sad right now!"
No. Feelings cannot be ordered around.

As Valentine's approaches, we might feel the pressure to be in love. We don't want to be forever alone, and this holiday sometimes makes us feel so. The fact that you may have a few friends that are dating (even when it feels like everyone is dating—not true) can also add to the pressure Valentine's brings. Of course, I won't mention the obvious media propaganda that conspires against us.

I'm here to tell you I know how you feel, I've been there myself. And as weird as it sounds, Valentine's has always been my favorite holiday (after my birthday? haha).
Valentine's is much more meaningful now that I know the love that the Bible speaks of:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
—Matthew 22:37

The love the Bible speaks of is more an act of will than a mere fleeting feeling. This is why Jesus has the freedom to command us to love. It goes beyond feelings & spontaneity. Jesus wasn't particularly feeling like dying a torturous death, yet his love for us  went beyond rejection, indifference & torture. He willed to love, even unto death. This type of love is also our guarantee that God will not fall out of love for us. You certainly won't see this type of love on mainstream media!

Here are some tips for Valentine's day {encouraging} fun:

Single ladies: Go out on a date to your favorite place and plan to meet the Lord there. Afterwards, go to a Valentine's bash party with your friends and share stories about true love, the kind that doesn't give up during the tough times. If everyone seems to be doing something, I advice for you to get on board with activities for Valentine's at your church.

Couples: Take a time to share about true love stories from the Bible and what you like most about them. Share the characteristics you'd both love to reflect together. Go out and celebrate love by doing things for couples around you, whether that's having dinner with a wise married couple or helping organize an event for couples at church. Nothing builds true love like service.