The True Valentine..

This Valentine, Ask What You Can Give…

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the world is busy searching for gifts meant to express love. On my way home from the office, I stopped at a few stores to pick up some things—and as I walked in, Valentine’s Day was everywhere. Shelves were filled with chocolates, flowers, cards, and carefully packaged expressions of love. There is nothing wrong with giving gifts or celebrating those we care about.

But as I drove home, the thought of what love truly means began to linger in my mind—and so did the needs all around us. Yet, so often, what we miss is the true meaning of love itself—the kind of love the Bible speaks about.

I am not trying to over-spiritualize Valentine’s Day. But love is spiritual. In fact, we are the product of that love.

It was love that created us in the image of our Creator.
Love that gave us the freedom to choose.
Love that clothed us when we fell.
Love that pursued us when we wandered.
And love that redeemed us on the cross.

That is love.

Scripture tells us, “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). Not a selective love. Not a convenient love. But a love that gave—fully, sacrificially, and without condition.

We were not only created by that love; we were created to carry it. We are meant to be its reflection, its symbol, its living testimony. We are called to lay down our lives for others in love. We are commanded to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Yet when we look around, we often see the opposite.

Violence has become normal.
War has become common.
Hatred has become a way for some to define and defend identity.

Leaders seem lost. People are losing their way. Generations ahead feel crushed, uncertain of where they came from or where they are going. Life feels fragile. Hope feels distant.

Is this our new world order?
Where are we heading?
What kind of world are we trying to create—and for whom?

An exclusive world? Built on fear, power, and self-preservation?

Were we not called to something better?

Scripture says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” We were created to live in harmony, peace, and love with one another. Jesus calls us to be Good Samaritans—to serve, to heal, to notice, to put the needs of others before our own.

So this Valentine’s Day, may we pause and ask ourselves an honest question:

Can we look beyond the mindset of “What can I get?”
And shift toward “What can I give?”

If not to the masses, can we touch one life at a time?

Maybe there is someone near you who needs help.
Someone who needs a meal.
Someone who needs work.
Someone who needs a moment to speak.
Someone who simply needs a smile—to forget their pain, even briefly.

There is so much we can do.

Change does not begin outside of us; it begins within. A small shift in the heart may seem insignificant, but over time it reshapes homes, communities, and eventually, the world.

This is the love worth celebrating.
This is the true Valentine.

Standing in hope,
with humanity.