by Angie Shannon
Scripture tells us that God is Love. Because God created us, and we bear the likeness and image of Divine Love. Whether we are partnered or single, we are lovers!
Naturally, we become frustrated when we are not in a partnered relationship. Out of frustration, one of the biggest mistakes people make is settling for a significant other who is less than loving.
There is no good outcome when we are in bad relationships other than to exit them—immediately! Know with every fiber of your being that God loves you.
Confidence in God’s love leads us to make better choices. A loving and right relationship foreshadows what God’s infinite love is really like. A right relationship is based on admiration and respect.Valentine’s Day will come and go, but as women of faith, we stand securely and confidently knowing that our self-esteem is not tied up in flowers and candy; it is rooted in God’s love that is sure and unfailing. Whether single or partnered, it is time to celebrate Valentine’s Day in broad, expansive ways.
After all, love is multifaceted. We have huge webs of relationships as sisters, friends, mothers, aunts, cousins, godmothers, nieces, coworkers, church members, and more. Reclaim the day to practice love in all its expressions.
Take time on Valentine’s Day to share God’s love in acts of service, kindness, and generosity. Give blood this week. While not as romantic as a candlelight dinner, it is life-giving! Make and write a heartfelt sentiment to a loved one you have not seen in a great while.
Decide to heal a broken friendship. Pamper yourself and enjoy the company of friends, male and female.
Know that God loves and affirms you. God’s love for you is limitlessly unbound by space, time, or present circumstance. This love endures and will carry you through the whole of your life.
The Rev. Angie Shannon is the pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church, Bowie, Md. She asks that we share love by doing what we can to safeguard each other’s health in love in a global pandemic.
This post is adapted from, “Valentine’s Day: Beyond flowers and candy” by Angie Shannon from the 2018 issue of Cafe (http://boldcafe.org).