The important point about something like Valentine’s Day we routinely miss …

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Among the various posts comprising today’s “Memories” in my history of Facebook posts was the meme below:

I had shared the post some years ago as a humorous poke at how each year on Valentine’s Day you see men scampering through stores for cards and flowers and chocolates and assorted gifts to give their “valentine.”

Another thing common to the holiday related to “love” is broad complaining on social media that the holiday even exists! But I think among all that complaining we miss a simple but profound point: Love is to be expressed.

Here’s another take of that thought:

The reality of our relationships is demonstrated through our expressions.

Those expressions might not be a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. Instead, those experiences might be a kiss “Good morning …,” an unexpected embrace in the kitchen, an encouraging word in the midst of life’s struggles, a simple touch, and so much more.

But here’s the thing: The reality of our relationships IS demonstrated through our expressions. If you say you love someone, but never express love in any way, is the claim true?

Perhaps you don’t say, “I love” you much, but you often demonstrate love for someone … do you love them?

Valentine’s Day isn’t so noteworthy as some abstract celebration of “love,” but as one more reminder of the need to consistently, persistently express love to others. Even the Apostle John joined the chorus in that encouragement:

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions,” 1 John 3:18.

When scripture commands us to love God first and foremost (Matt. 22:34-38), to love our brothers and sisters in Christ (John 13:34-35), to love our neighbors (Matt. 22:34-39), to love our enemies (Matt. 5:43-44), etc., all of the exhortations to love is a command not to have a “thought” of love, or an “emotion” of love, but to actually love by expressing love. Love is something that is, and must be, expressed.

May you be blessed today by the expression of love from God and others, and with multiple opportunities to express genuine love you have for others, to others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Scotty