I grew up reading Charlie Brown in the Sunday comics. Valentine’s Day was not Charlie Brown’s favorite holiday. Each year, he would eagerly look in his mailbox, but he never received a valentine card. One year he did, but Lucy convinced him it was a mistake.
Each year, we give family, friends and loved ones little treats and special valentine cards. We also remember those who are kind or have done something special.
Then, there are those people we purposely chose not to remember, and there are those who don’t even come to mind. In each of our lives, there are “Charlie Browns” who will not receive any token of love or attention.
Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. He answered, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” But he didn’t stop there. He continued, “A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Did you catch the “equally important” part? It is important that our love for God flows over into our love for others. Notice that he said we are to love others “as” ourselves, not “for” ourselves. When we love those who love us, are kind to us, or have done something special for us, we love them “for” ourselves.
Jesus said to the Pharisees, “If you only love those who love you, why should you get credit for that?”
It was a rhetorical question. He knew the answer was “You don’t.” He continued, “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High.”
This year, perhaps you can find it in your heart to buy one more valentine. Ask God to bring someone to your mind who probably will not receive one or who might need to receive one from you. Who knows, your card might just be the one they’ve been looking for.
After all, we once received a valentine from God. It was in the shape of a cross. On it, He declared His love for you and me.
He did this even though we weren’t thinking of Him. Maybe it’s time to love someone else the way we were loved. Unconditionally.
Previously submitted by a follower of Jesus