Every February, love gets wrapped up in pink paper, heart-shaped boxes, and expectations that can feel heavy instead of hopeful. Valentine's Day tells us love should be grand, romantic, and always feel good. But the Bible paints a very different picture of love- one that lasts long after the roses wilt and the chocolate is gone.
Scripture doesn't describe love as something we fall into and out of without control. Biblical love is intentional.
"Love is patient, love is kind..." (1Corinthians 13:4)
Patience and kindness don't just show up when emotions are high. They show up in the ordinary- when you're tired, misunderstood, or stretched thin. Love is choosing gentleness when snapping would be easier. It's choosing grace when feelings are complicated.
Real love is often quiet.
The Bible never promises that love will always feel easy. In fact, some of the strongest examples of love in Scripture happen in suffering.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13)
That kind of love looks like sacrifice. It's staying when things are uncomfortable. It's forgiveness when it would feel justified to walk away. It's serving even when no one notices.
Love isn't proven in perfect moments- it's proven in perseverance.
Valentine's culture often asks, "What am I getting out of this?"
The Bible asks something deeper: "How can I love like Christ?"
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition... Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
(Philippians 2:3)
Biblical love isn't about being fulfilled at all times. It's about reflecting Christ-- who loved us when we didn't deserve it, and stayed when we were at our worst.
That kind of love transforms homes, marriages, friendships, and hearts.
The most important truth about love is this:
"We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Love doesn't start with us. It starts with God. When we're exhausted, disappointed, or unsure how to love well, we return to Him.
God's love is steady. Faithful. Unchanging. It doesn't depend on seasons, emotions, or performance.
And when we lean into His love, we're able to love others more freely without pressure to be perfect.
Biblical love isn't confined to one day in February. It's lived out in everyday moments:
- In forgiveness
- In patience
- In choosing kindness
- In showing up again tomorrow
Long after Valentine's decorations come down, this kind of love remains.
It's not flashy- but it's faithful. And it's the love that truly lasts.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, teach me to love the way You love-- patiently, sacrificially, and faithfully. Help me love beyond feelings and reflect Your heart in every season. Amen.
Much Love,
Beth
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