There's something about February 14th that makes many hearts thrill and flutter. In the Philippines, Valentine's Day is a grand, festive day, and various businesses sell roses, stuffed toys, and chocolates — the famous items that are bought for and given to loved ones to celebrate the occasion. According to a survey that was organized by an e-commerce company in Poland, 79% of Filipinos regard Valentine's Day as a special time to celebrate!

Shall we therefore conclude that we love to love and be loved? If that is so, what could be more exhilarating than knowing that God, the supreme being, loves the whole world, including you and me? Then, we should appreciate John 3:16 more than February 14th!

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

"For God so loved the world …". Let's ponder the truth of how a perfect God could perfectly love imperfect beings like us. He never withholds from us anything that is good and for His glory. He never gets tired of embracing us with His grace. He has loved us from the beginning, up to the present, and to all eternity. With our sins, we all deserve to die, but in Christ, He made a way to keep us close.

"… that he gave his one and only Son …". He has given us everything that we need for life and godliness while we are still here on earth. Today is also Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a time when we remember that God secured our future when He sent Jesus to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins — such an incomparable gesture of love!

"… that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It takes only faith — believing that Jesus is God's Son and trusting in what He did for us on the cross so that we can be saved from eternal condemnation. Again, it takes only faith — God does not require us to do good deeds each day to earn a place in heaven. There is nothing that we can do that will take us to heaven — only what Jesus did.

The truth that John 3:16 brings makes us celebrate genuine love, not just for one day but for every day!

This Valentine's Day, let us share the best love that one could hear about and experience. While flowers dry out and chocolates are consumed, the love of God is always fresh and lasting. Go on a date and share God's love. The gospel is ready. Are you?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the selfless love that You've shown to us undeserving ones. As we treasure the love that we have received from You, help us to pass it on to others, as we aim to please You by letting other people hear of the gospel. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Ivy Domingo <domingoivy25@gmail.com>
Laguna, Philippines
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