Dear Friend
I hope you had a good weekend and good Lord's Day!
Since Valentine's Day is coming up this weekend, I thought I would give you a history of the day, but as it's taken from church history. Some of it is believed to be true, parts of it legend. I remember watching a movie on this aspect as a pre-teen and it really touched my heart.
As you will read, the possible "Valentine" behind this day showed true unselfish love, Christ's love, in the midst of a difficult period in church history.
I also wanted to share 2 things that were on my heart:
1. Valentine's Day is commercialized to emphasize romantic love, and there's nothing wrong with that, but how could we as followers of Jesus use it to show HIS love to those who need to know they are loved by God?
How an we show love that will make an impact for eternity? Jesus said that the world would know that we are His 'disciples', followers by our love (care, concern) toward one another (John 13:35). That 'one another' means fellow Christians, but we could also extend it to those who have not trusted Christ yet.
I remember the expression that 'the only Bible some people may ever 'read' is you.' We have a chance to show genuine care, concern and interest in another's life and ask than God to take our meager efforts to show that person how much HE loves them. Look for ways to be a sincere blessing to folks this week.
If they are going through a difficult time right now, have the boldness to tell them that you will be praying for them (Most folks, even if they are non-religious will still appreciate that kindness). Write a note to someone and include a candy bar give someone a call, ask someone how you can help them this weekend, send an ecard (http://www.dayspring.com/ecards?legacy).
2. For many, Valentine's Day can be a painful day for those who have lost a loved one or the single person who hasn't found God's special person for them yet. My eyes were opened to that this past weekend.
My parents facilitate a faith based group hosted by our church called "Grief Share". (http://www.griefshare.org/) It's for folks who have lost loved ones at any point, recently or years past, helps them deal with the holidays, know what grief looks like, that the symptoms are normal and to heal. The biggest thing I heard this weekend was how difficult Valentine's Day was going to be and that they just wanted to move quickly through it.
As I stated above, look for ways to make folks like these feel your care, concern. Be sensitive, but encouraging. Let them know they are thought of by someone this day.
Look for these opportunities at work, church, your neighborhood. My pastor said yesterday look for opportunities, and then take advantage of them.
You never know how God could use these opportunities in the future for you to share how your trusting Jesus changed your life!
I pray the Lord looks our for you and yours this week! Devot. http://www.sharefaith.com/blog/2011/01/valentines-day-history-story-st-valentine/ (Taken from http://www.sharefaith.com/blog/)
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