Expanding Valentine's Day Beyond Hugs and Kisses

Ahh, it’s Valentine’s Day.  A day of sweet romance.  A day to let the one you love know how much you appreciate them and how you just couldn’t possibly live without them.  It’s a day to give each other flowers, chocolates, and cheesy cards that say things like “I wuv you,” or “you’re as sweet as honey.”  Anyone sticking their tongue out yet?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I think it is always a good idea to appreciate those cherished ones in our lives that show us plenty of love and affection and who are there to support and comfort us when life becomes quite challenging.  And, I have nothing against doing something nice for your loved one either (although perhaps that “I wuv you” card isn’t the best thing we could do to show our appreciation).  However, When I see the commercialization of Valentine’s Day and when I hear people talk about it, it is clear to me that Valentine’s day (to a lot of people) has a narrow focus of romantic love.  The holiday, as portrayed, is all about attempts to court a romantic partner, or attempts to get your romantic partner in bed for some “loving,” if you get my drift.  Unfortunately, this is such a narrow view of love, and it is one that causes a lot of people to despise this holiday.

What would it look like if St. Valentine’s Day was a day where we focused on broadening the world’s understanding of love?  What if today was a day to go out and spend time with a person who is a widow or widower and homebound; or a patient all alone at the hospital; or sharing a meal with a homeless person at a soup kitchen in addition to sharing love with our partners, friends, and families?  What if we used some of that money we spent on chocolates, flowers, and cards to support organizations that feed the hungry, provide homes for the poor, and advocate for the marginalized?  What would it look like if we spent some of our time together writing letters to congress, advocating for justice for the poor, or volunteered our time at an organization who lobbies for the end to unjust systems that promote racism?  How would people view this holiday different if we celebrated it by hosting anti-bullying workshops?

There are so many ways that we can expand our definition of love—love for neighbor, love for stranger, love even for enemies—by surpassing the commercialized way of celebrating Valentine’s day.  And, honestly, loving and caring for others outside of our sweethearts, friends, and families through acts of service is a way that we can expand the definition of love throughout the entire year! 

Of course, what is the best part about doing this is the fact that, as we love and serve others we build relationships with them.  As we build relationships with them we begin to see the goodness and sacredness in them.  Soon, we begin to see Christ in them.  As we recognize Christ in all people, there is now way we would allow any kind of oppression or injustice to continue, no matter who it is happening to.    

So, yes, celebrate Valentine’s Day and show that special someone how much you love and appreciate them; but then, go out and spread some love to others, so that this holiday becomes all about love for all the world!

See you in the conversation,

Pastor Zach