Read: John 3:16-21
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (v. 17)
About one billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year worldwide. That’s a lot of cards expressing love and devotion! God sent the ultimate Valentine’s Day card to all of us by sending his Son, Jesus the Christ, to die for us and rise again, so we can be in a loving relationship to God.
You have probably figured out that maintaining a loving relationship with someone is not always easy. We mess up. We hold grudges. Our pride gets in the way. And when we do something to hurt our loved ones, someone needs to take the first step in reconciliation. And then, to make the relationship grow healthy and strong, both parties must respond to each other’s love.
God desires to have the most intimate, loving relationship with us. He does not mess up, but we do. A lot! And because God passionately wants us to be his, he has taken the first step in reconciliation. He has forgiven us. The innocent, perfect Son of God took on all our offenses, forever making restitution and clearing away all our guilt. Proverbs 16:6 states, “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for.” God has sent us the most fervent Valentine’s Day card we will ever receive and wants us to respond with our own love and devotion to be his. —Donna Harold
As you pray, respond to God’s Valentine’s Day card by devoting your steadfast love to him.
About the Author
Donna M. Harold is retired from a career in accounting and consulting and lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and two cats. She serves as treasurer for her church, creates and facilitates Bible studies, and enjoys writing, mosaicking, and quilting.
