A Commentary By Ranger
In a time when once-happy marriages quickly descend into misunderstanding, confusion, controversy, conflict, rejection, violence, loneliness, regrets, and ultimately divorce, it is refreshing and inspiring to see that millions and millions of people, young and old, across the world still believe in the redemptive and uplifting power of love by celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Significantly, the fact that millions of people of nearly all countries, races, classes, languages and cultures join together in celebration of Valentine’s Day shows that there is no other element stronger than love to keep mind, body, soul and spirit healthy, hearty and hopeful throughout the changing periods and ages of time.
Significantly, one can tie the spirit and celebration of Valentine’s Day to the definition of love given by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 of the New Testament of the Holy Bible that says:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.”
This is my absolute favorite spiritual verse because love applies to absolutely everything in this world and is about completely devoting your life to serving your spouse and truly being there for them through everything.
God is love and this verse is love. This is God speaking to us directly through scripture, showing us how to live our lives with an open heart, and always leaving plenty of room for Him.
The verse paints a picture of building one another up instead of tearing each other down. It paints a picture of a podium that you both stand on, and you both reach your hands down to help the other one up.
It shows that love means no one gets left behind because you are both equal. Love always fights to come out strong in the end, because the magnetic pull between you and your partner is unbreakable.
Love your family, because even though you enter and leave this world alone, they were the first ones there. Blood is a pretty powerful bond and you wouldn’t have turned out to be the person that you are without your background and the people that raised you.
Love your past and your culture and your family; be proud of who and where you come from. Remember that people make mistakes and at the end of the day they’re still your mother or brother or daughter. Apologize and stand up for your love for them.
Love absolutely everything around you. Love your job and your home. Appreciate the opportunities that you are faced with because nothing stays gold forever. Remember this verse when you are going through a difficult time.
Love is a kind and beautiful thing that is full of hope for the future. Love God, trust Him and be patient because you don’t know what’s coming.
Love your creator because He is kind and caring, not angry or taunting.
God is never evil; He is truthful and powerful and wants you to just trust Him. God will never fail because He will always be there to listen to you.
Most importantly, love yourself. This is your life to live – And loving others and God and the experiences that surround you become so much easier when you love yourself.
So take the time each day to relax and breathe for five minutes, to look in the mirror and smile at the reflection, to point out a good quality instead of always picking out your flaws.
When you truly yourself and others, you are patient, you are kind. You do not envy, you do not boast, you are not proud. You do not dishonor others, you are not self-seeking, you are not easily angered, and you keep no record of wrongs. You do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. You always protect, always trust, always hope, and always persevere. You never fail. You are not a failure or a mistake or even a bundle of flaws.
So open your eyes and embrace everyone around you, approach each day with a positive attitude and act out of selflessness.
Remember this verse and repeat it to yourself and live a life of truth and smiles and love. You are made out of love and you are full of love, so spread it around.
