What are you planning for Valentine’s Day?
Flowers and chocolates? Cool present? Or are you still looking for that special person? Or maybe you found them years ago and the truth is you’ve long since stopped bothering to treat each other like this!
Perhaps that’s partly why some of the crowds will flock to the cinema next week to see the latest, adult-rated movie. The book has already sold millions worldwide.
Why? Could it be that so many people are into sadistic control and violent sex? Or are people just bored and longing for some excitement, even if it is controversial and dangerous?
Or is it part of being human, that we all inside want to be special to someone?
Alternatively some people are seeking fulfilment with Islamic State, which recently stated, ‘It is always preferable for a woman to remain hidden and veiled, to maintain society from behind this veil.’
Sounds like just a different form of abusive control.
In comparison it’s quite liberating to read the wise advice of King Solomon in the Bible:
‘Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.’ (Proverbs 3 v 3)
Faithful, honourable, respectful LOVE, now that’s radical!
Especially when we add in the practical definitions developed by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament:
‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.’ (1 Corinthians 13 v 4-8)
Mmmmm…yes please!
Sounds beautiful.
Sounds like what we all need.
Sounds like Jesus.