Ephesians 5:25-33 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31, FOR THIS REASON, A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” NASB

Today is Valentine’s Day and there will be roses and boxes of chocolate by the truckload distributed today all over the world and especially in America.  Sadly,some of those expressions will simply be the performance of an expected duty on the part of the male and the obligatory card from the female to that supposed special someone in her life.  But for millions of others, it will be a genuine expression of love and affection albeit not necessarily the healthiest way to express love.  There will be gifts of diamonds and jewelry as well and even most extravagant gifts to convey the feelings of love and affection.

I commend every husband, son, or boyfriend who sends flowers, chocolates, and cards or some other gift to that special lady in their lives be that wife, mother, or girlfriend.  Likewise, I commend every wife, daughter, or girlfriend who reciprocates with an expression of her own to that special man in her life.  Yet, I wish that we would add someone else to our list of persons to acknowledge and show devotion, love, and affection for on this day but not limit it to this day.  That would be The Lord Jesus Christ! 

The greatest expression of LOVE one could ever comprehend is found in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the Cross and expressed in John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Also, in the great Love Chapter of the Bible 1 Corinthians 13, we find what LOVE really is!

May God help each of us on this day to Honor that special person(s) in our lives but to not fail in our remembrance of the one whom without we would be Hopeless!  Lord Jesus, would you be my valentine?  I love you with all my heart and one day know that as a part of the Body of Christ I will be a part of your heavenly bride made up of all believers of all ages.  We will spend eternity together and we will spend it in adoration of you and the Father as we worship around that heavenly throne.  I ask you to forgive me for not honoring you more every day of my life and help me to make it not only a desire but a practice to give you the honor due your name Every Day! 

May God be with you on this day! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!