Coram Deo

“If you are single, maximize your singleness to advance the gospel. If you are married, love your spouse in a way that portrays the gospel.” - David Platt

According to my facebook news feed, I’ve noticed about 3 groups of people on Valentine’s Day.

1) The bitter people who think they’re so  clever and original on Valentine’s Day by clearly advertising their hate for this holiday. Really old lines that everyone is using “My girlfriend does this cute thing where she doesn’t exist… I’m spending the day with my ex..box 360.” 

2) The people who love Valentines day and are like,” My boyfriend is the best!! I HEART him ily <3 <3 <3 He’s a keeper!” Then they upload their status about every 5 seconds of their Tiffany’s jewleery and Godiva chocolate. 

3) The people who bake, eat, and go on a crazy sugar overload while watching Disney movies.

I happen to fall into the third category.  This day gives me an “excuse” to bake and eat all my meals in cute, pink, heart shaped plates. However, I would like to see a fourth group of people more often. Instead of whining about your relationship status (or lack thereof), steward your time wisely to the glory of God. Find a couple to bless and babysit their children for free. Bake dessert and bless people with it. Fellowship with your family in Christ and learn more about marriages of a godly couple. 

Today was the best Valentine’s Day. A family from church invited me to spend time with them tonight at their house. I watched the husband come home and kiss his wife while his children screamed, “Daddy!” After, I ate dessert and talked to their children about their Sunday school lesson and Valentine’s Day. They were so well behaved and disciplined cleaning and washing their dishes without being told. I watched the father do devotions with his children and read out of “The Jesus-Storybook Bible” with them. He prayed over them while I sat and played some games with the mother. We had tea and talked about theology. After the kids went to sleep, and the he joined us. We watched ridiculous youtube videos, laughed, and then ate more dessert.The whole time I was thought,”Wow, this is what it’s supposed to be like. This is the Gospel on display.” It’s such an amazing blessing to witness this. I would like to thank all you married couples for displaying godly covenant marriages to pattern after. Thank you for setting an example of how Christ loves the Church and setting the bar high. Thank you for encouraging us to keep waiting and glorifying God.  

“Your husband, whoever he is, will have an unbelievable amount of influence over your sons and daughters in regards to spiritual things. If you want your children to love Jesus deeply, hold out for a man that is Godly.” -Matt Chandler

When I get married, I’d like to spend some time with a single on Valentine’s Day. Buy a widow roses and chocolates. “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Let’s remember Jesus.  Let’s reflect on the true meaning of Valentine’s Day. Let’s remember that St. Valentine was martyred for Jesus. Let this motivate us to live a life of sacrifical love. Let’s maximize the gospel single or married until the day we see Him face to face. Let’s remember that the Lord’s steadfast love for us (Psalm 136). As receipients of such love, let’s be givers of such love. 

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.- 1 John 4:7