Valentines is just another day but LOVE is so much more.

 

 Romans 12:9-18

In my devotional this morning I came across some good advice that Paul gives to us on how to love one another and I thought it was fitting to share with everyone today since its Valentines Day.

• Love must be sincere
• Cling to what is good
• Be devoted to one another
• Honor one another above yourself
• Never be lacking in zeal
• Be joyful in hope
• Be patient in affliction
• Be faithful in prayer
• Share with God's people who are in need
• Practice hospitality
• Bless those who persecute you
• Rejoice with those who rejoice
• Mourn with those who mourn
• Live in harmony with one another
• Do not be proud
• Do not conceited
• Do not be repay anyone evil for evil
• Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

All of the above I can apply to any of my relationships with my kids, friends, family, and husband.  There have been times that I may have not shown love in the ways listed.  I look at it and like what I read but I have to be honest and wonder how often do I really try to do all of those things.  I'd like to say most of the time and maybe I do but...
I'm going to print this list of advice from Paul and put it in my purse and look at it from time to time just so I can stay on the right track of loving others in my daily life.

I remember a time when I thought Valentines Day was something to look forward to.  A time to plan and make as special as I could.  But as time has gone by and different people have come and gone in my life the whole idea of Valentines Day has become very different.  I can remember some good ones and some bad ones, from chocolate covered strawberries, arguing, as a single mom making special treats for my children, to discovering the worst news ever about someone that changed my life and my daughters.  Then starting a new life, marriage with someone who just says its just another day.  Well maybe he has a point and I plan on telling him thank you ( he may not understand what he's done but he should know that I'm thankful just the same)  He has helped me think of Valentines Day in a new light.

If you look at it like another day there would be no set up for disappointment, no frustration on trying to find the perfect gift to say I love you. (when all you need to do is just say it)  Leave the day to itself and there may be little surprises or not but in the end I still go to sleep next to the one I love.  I think Valentines Day can be a day to really work on loving others, just by doing that would take a lot of energy but leave you with great rewards. 

My husband mentioned something to me the other night about Valentines Day should be a day to take out someone single.  I thought about it and liked the idea.  (We were going to but can't right now, its not in our budget this time)  Its the whole idea of thinking of others than ourselves. 

I think what I'm getting at is that any day can be special.  Any day can be cherished as long as we love each other.  Why go to such great lengths when you already have one another, and for me and my husband we not only have each other but we have Christ right in the middle of us and that I find so much peace, comfort and love in.

So for me today, its just another day that I can take the opportunity to love others and make all the little moments special just as they are as the day unfolds.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Dear God of Love, I pray that I will love others well today.  I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can overflow Your love to those around me.  I know that loving others is Your most important command.  Help me to keep that foremost in my mind and in my actions this day.