This week was, of course, Valentine’s Day, and where we have been focusing on the commands of Jesus, especially the one He held dearest, it seems like love has been in the air for our church family for a while.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36-40

Now disciples know that the greatest commandment is to love God with every fibre of your being and love thy neighbour. So in theory we should be celebrating love every day – no matter what type of love it is. So, where did Valentine’s Day come from anyway?

The History Of Valentine’s Day

Love As Disciples

Though the day has been really commercialised with flower and card companies making a fortune from us in general, we should really focus on the love part. Not just the gift giving. But showing real love to our loved ones and our neighbours. It is a time that should remind us of how God wants us to love: with our whole minds, hearts, souls and strength. It doesn’t just mean love to your romantic partner, but to everyone in your vicinity, just as Jesus did. During His time on earth, He made the most lowly in society feel loved and welcomed, much to His ‘peers’ dismay. So we too, should treat others – even those who make us feel small, or those who take our kindness for weakness, or even those who take a mile when we give an inch – with love. One of our main goals in life should be to receive Jesus’ love, and pay it on to others. No matter what the day is.

This year hasn’t been easy; the cost of living crisis, natural disasters, social injustices and it’s only February. But in the face of all of that, it’s lovely to see neighbours coming together to socialise, campaign and/or support each other. As we focus on loving each other well, others will see how the Lord moves; His love and grace will flow out of us.

For more on love, The Bible Project have a great video on this as always.

Prayer For Love & Compassion

Dear Lord

We ask that you remove all hate and bitterness from our hearts we ask that you replace that with your mercy and compassion. We ask you to help us to forgive others for their wrongs and also for them to forgive us. Let your Holy spirit inebriate our hearts, minds, souls and bodies.

We ask that you remove our shortcomings and replace them with blessings of love kindness and ever growing faith. Lord, please help us to be more like you in every aspect of our lives.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen