Valentine’s Day is for amateurs
Pastor John Glennon
Friday, February 16, 2007
Many men that I know are very good at getting just the right gift for their wife on Valentine’s Day. They know the exact clothing size or the correct jewelry to buy. They pick out the perfect card and buy only gourmet chocolates in a velvet lined heart-shape box that is worth more than the dimestore candy I can afford. On the other hand, I am a bumbling idiot when it comes to buying gifts for my wife. However, I am blessed with a wife that really isn’t concerned about Valentine’s Day or gifts of any kind; she just wants everyday romance to be our guide. In fact, she just enjoys it if I will turn off the T.V. and sit in the living room and just talk with her for an evening. Or even take out the garbage without prompting!
My wife makes it simple when it comes to romance, because she is a woman the bible speaks of in Proverbs 31:30 (NASB) “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” A woman who loves God first in her life will always please her husband and he will be blessed at the same time. Yet, if a man will take lessons from the bible he will please his wife as well. We are told in the letter to the Ephesians that “A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.” (Eph. 5:25 CEV) That’s a tall order when you think of the love Jesus has for the Church. He is willing, at all costs, to offer us His sacrificed body in place of our sinful lives. He is always willing to say “I love you” first.
God has much to say about love, and romance for that matter, if we will just take the time to read and meditate on His Holy Word. Things like “Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails! (1Cor. 13:4-8a CEV)
True love doesn’ have to have candy, cards, or even expensive gifts to be expressed. Real love as the bible says “doesn’t keep a record of wrongs” or as the living bible paraphrase puts it, “love doesn’ notice when others do it wrong”. So, if you didn’t get the perfect gift from your spouse, don’t be discouraged. A spouse who really loves doesn’t need any gift but the real love from the other.
The best gift you can give each other is to put Christ first in your marriage and sit back in the living room of life and let His Spirit lead the romance. Then you can leave Valentine’s Day to the amateurs!
• “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from the Rev. John Glennon, pastor of Hope Community Church.