Oh, Valentine’s Day . . . love it or hate it, it comes around every year. I don’t necessarily have strong feelings about this day, but I know that some people do. Seeing how I am 34 and single, I will most likely end up babysitting for one of my friends. I am totally okay with this! I have never given into the idea of feeling as though I needed to spend this day with someone. God has gently reminded me of the love that matters most. May His Word serve as a reminder to you as well.
His love for you is unconditional.
“We love because He first loved us.” {1 John 4:19}
God is the essence of love. It is who He is and what He does. He created us to love Him and to be loved by Him. Our response of love is only made possible because of His love for us. Before the foundations of the world He had thoughts of us and a love for us that is unlike any other love!
His love for you is unwavering.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” {Romans 8:38-39}
That list right there is weighty. Those are things that put such restraint and limits on my fickle love. But not God! He is never swayed by what has been, what is, or what will be. There is no success so great or failure so terrible or sin so devastating or faithfulness so realized that could ever change how much the Lord loves us. Let the peace from that wash over you. Rest out of that love. Respond out of that love.
His love for you is pursuing.
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” {Romans 5:8}
I am not prone to love, give to or show grace to those who have hurt me. It’s a good thing I’m not God, right? That is what makes God, God. He knows everything there is to know about us and still, He made a way for us out of sin. And still, Jesus chose to endure the cross. And still, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. While we were still sinners . . . God is a God of still.
Every day is a day to let the love of God overwhelm us. He desires nothing less than to lavishly shower us with His unconditional, unwavering, and pursuing love.
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” {Ephesians 3:17-19}
As we learn to let His love overwhelm us, we have the joy of experiencing the fullness of God Himself, where His love . . .
Sustains us in every circumstance.
Secures us through every uncertainty.
Satisfies us despite every disappointment.
May this Valentine’s Day be one where the love of God takes center stage, whether or not we are spending the day with someone.
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Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Karina,
I am so glad God is not like me…fickle, conditional, wavering. Even our best glimpses of unconditional love here on earth are nothing compared to God’s pure and unconditional love. If I really read and concentrate on the scriptures you mentioned, I can’t help but have my socks blown off. I am taken back by the fact that God loves me so much he pursues me…His love is furious. Who loves like that?? Only God. You have a really healthy attitude about Valentine’s Day. I know for many (and I’ve been in that boat) it brings pain and heartache. Praying for all those, for whom this day will be one to be survived. Your post is great at pointing us back toward our one true love. Thanks.
Blessings,
Bev
Karina Allen says
Thank you so much Bev for sharing!!!! I will never get over the fact that God loves us and exactly how much! I pray that that is always my focus and a catalyst for how I love Him and others. I pray that your day is overflowing with love from and for the Father!
Jenni DeWitt says
I love this idea of taking Valentine’s Day away from Hallmark and handing it back to God — the creator and root of all Love. Thank you for your words.
Jenni
Karina Allen says
Thank you for sharing Jenni! May you bask in the perfect love of the Father today! 🙂
Penny Doremus says
My tender heart has always cried out for the love of another human being. The need for that love has driven me to persist in relationships that weren’t the best for me. I was too scared to let go, to scared to be unloved. What I’m learning, and you stated so eloquently, is that God’s love is enough. Not only does His love meet my every need, but it totally surpasses it. He loves me, He delights over me, He chooses me. I am loved by a King. Thank you for reminding me this morning, how truly blessed I am.
Karina Allen says
You are so welcome Penny! His love is one of a kind. It is pure and perfect! May it flood the deepest parts of you and bring life, hope and healing. May you find rest and security in His love alone. Blessings!
Missy Robinson says
I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day and celebrated it as a day to remember the love of family, friends and our Lord. I try to instill that same value in my own children so they think larger than the marketing-induced romantic stuff. I love how it can provide an opportunity to reach out to someone who may be lonely or not yet aware of God’s love.
Karina Allen says
Missy, that is awesome! Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to reach out to those that don’t know God’s love or those that are lonely. That is the Father’s heart. May He bless you and your family for having a heart like His.
JeanneTakenaka says
Karina, I always seem to need reminders of how steadfast God’s love is for me. His is faithful, unfailing, passionate and complete. Mine? Well . . . not so much. Thanks for the beautiful reminder that His love is one to be overwhelmed by every day. Loved this!
Karina Allen says
I always need those reminders too Jeanne! I am beyond grateful for His love! Have a blessed day full of His perfect love!
Katy McCown says
Hey Karina!
Thanks for this beautiful focus. I feel like sometimes Valentine’s Day highlights all our unfulfilled longings & we can so easily be swayed by the fake idea of romance presented on every commercial, movie & magazine cover! I, myself, know the fulfillment of my Savior’s love & I love how beautifully you draw our attention to that unmatchable love!
P.S. I’ve lived in Nola the last 3 yrs. 🙂
Karina Allen says
Katy, that is so fun! We should connect!!!! Email me. 🙂
I am glad that you are fulfilled by the Savior’s love! I know that you serve as a testimony and encouragement to all who surround you.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
natasha says
We aren’t the manufacturers of love but merely the distributors thanks to our Heavenly Father <3
Karina Allen says
Amen Natasha!
Have a blessed day overwhelmed by the Father’s love!
Melanie Singleton says
Thank you so much for this reminder! Much needed today with hard news and circumstances beyond my control. His love never ceases for me in spite of the hardness of life. I need this constant reminder!
Karina Allen says
Melanie, May God speak life and hope and peace into those hard circumstances. Nothing comes as a surprise to Him. He has your good in mind and His glory will be shown. Trust Him even though you may not be able see clearly. Trust that He is at work because He loves you so.
Be blessed! He is faithful!
Beth Williams says
Melanie,
Prayers for you and your family. May God speak to you and surround you with love and contentment. I pray you fell hugged and loved by me and God!!
God knows what you’re going through and He will see you through it in His timing! Prayers that you feel covered in prayer and Blessings!
((((Hugs))) from Upper E. TN.
Amy Tilson says
So much truth that needs to be shared. That’s just what I’m going to do. These are life-giving words, Karina!
Karina Allen says
Thank you Amy! Share away!!!! I love you sister!!!!
Shelly Wildman says
I love your heart, Karina. It really shines here! He is enough.
Karina Allen says
Thank you Shelly! You are too kind!!!!!
Anna says
What a beautiful truth this is. Thank you for your encouragement in the Lord.
Karina Allen says
You are so welcome Anna! Be blessed in the goodness of God this week!!!!
Beth Williams says
GE4975
So sorry for the loss of your husband. Bless you for waiting for God to put you both together and for being there for him as he cared for his mother.
I pray that God will help heal you as you grieve your loss. May you feel His loving arms surround you! Prayers for peace and contentment as you know he is in Heaven!
Blessings and (((hugs)))
Beth Williams says
Karina,
Such wise words from someone so young. Your encouragement is contagious!!
Now more than ever before we need to show God’s love to this hurting world around us. I feel they are starving for love, hugs and people to tell them they are loved irregardless of who they are or what they’ve done!
Karina Allen says
Beth, sorry this response took so long! Thank you so much! 🙂
Amen sister! That is our calling, to love God and share the love of God. It is hard and messy but so worth it!