MY TAKE

Tag: Romance

  • Beyond Valentine’s Day: The Depth of Biblical Love

    Beyond Valentine’s Day: The Depth of Biblical Love

    Valentine’s Day often centers on romance, but Scripture invites us to see love as something far deeper, richer, and more enduring than a single day or feeling. The Bible consistently portrays love not merely as emotion, but as action, commitment, and self-giving grace.

    Love as Sacrifice, Not Sentiment

    “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
    — 1 John 3:16

    Biblical love is first revealed in sacrifice. Long before hearts and chocolates, love was demonstrated at the cross. This kind of love calls us to give—not because it is easy or rewarding, but because it reflects God’s own heart.

    Love as Commitment

    “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast… Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
    — 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

    Often read at weddings, this passage describes love as enduring faithfulness, not fleeting passion. It reminds us that true love grows through patience, humility, and perseverance—qualities that mature over time.

    Love Rooted in God’s Nature

    “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
    — 1 John 4:16

    Love is not something God merely gives—it is who He is. Every genuine expression of love, whether romantic, familial, or communal, finds its source in Him. When love is separated from God, it becomes fragile. When grounded in Him, it becomes transformative.

    Love Expressed Daily

    “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
    — Colossians 3:14

    Biblical love is not seasonal. It is worn daily, practiced intentionally, and extended even when it is inconvenient. It binds communities, heals relationships, and reflects Christ to the world.

    Love That Goes Beyond February 14

    Valentine’s Day reminds us of love—but Scripture teaches us how to live it. Love is not confined to romance or celebration; it is meant to shape how we speak, forgive, serve, and remain faithful.

    Whether married or single, young or old, Valentine’s Day can become an invitation to reflect on the kind of love that does not fade when cards are discarded and flowers wilt—a love that endures, redeems, and gives life.

    “Let all that you do be done in love.”
    — 1 Corinthians 16:14

  • Celebrating Friendship Beyond Romance

    Celebrating Friendship Beyond Romance

    Valentine’s Day often tells a narrow story: love is romantic, candlelit, exclusive, and effortless. But Scripture offers a broader and richer vision of love—one that includes friendship marked by loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. Few stories capture this better than the friendship of David and Jonathan. (The core narrative appears in 1 Samuel 18 – 20 and 2 Samuel 1)

    Their story, told in 1 Samuel, is not about flowers or fleeting emotions. It is about choosing another person’s good again and again, even when it costs you something. In a world hungry for genuine connection, David and Jonathan give us a model of friendship worth celebrating—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day.

    A Friendship Born of Recognition

    David and Jonathan meet after David defeats Goliath. Jonathan, the king’s son, instantly recognizes something profound in David. Scripture says their souls were “knit together.” This wasn’t infatuation; it was recognition—two people seeing the same devotion to God and courage for what it is.

    Jonathan responds in a surprising way: he gives David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt. In ancient Israel, these were not casual gifts. They symbolized identity, status, and future. Jonathan is, in effect, saying, “What I have, I place at your service.”

    True friendship begins when we stop competing and start honoring.

    Love That Costs Something

    As Saul grows jealous of David, Jonathan is forced into an impossible position. He can protect his own future—or he can protect his friend.

    Jonathan chooses David.

    He warns him of danger. He speaks truth to his father. He risks his life by refusing to participate in injustice. And finally, he helps David escape, knowing full well that David’s survival likely means Jonathan will never be king.

    This is not the love of convenience. It is the love of commitment.

    Valentine’s Day often celebrates love that feels good. David and Jonathan show us love that does good, even when it hurts.

    Strengthening One Another in the Dark

    One of the quietest and most beautiful moments in their story happens when David is hiding in the wilderness. Jonathan secretly goes to him and “strengthens his hand in God.” He doesn’t offer flattery or false hope. He reminds David of God’s promise and reassures him: “You shall be king… and I shall be next to you.”

    This is what real friends do:

    • They show up when it’s inconvenient
    • They speak courage when fear is loud
    • They point us back to God when we forget who we are

    Romantic love often focuses on being chosen. Friendship like this focuses on helping the other stand.

    A Love That Endures Beyond Death

    Jonathan dies in battle, long before David becomes king. Yet the friendship does not end there. David remembers his covenant with Jonathan and later seeks out Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, to show him kindness.

    This is love with a long memory. Love that keeps promises even when the one who made them is gone.

    Why This Story Belongs on Valentine’s Day

    David and Jonathan remind us that:

    • Not all deep love is romantic
    • Not all intimacy is physical
    • Not all soul-deep bonds come with flowers and cards

    Some of the most life-shaping love we will ever experience comes through friendship—the friend who tells us the truth, protects us when we’re vulnerable, celebrates us without envy, and walks beside us without trying to possess us.

    In a culture that often undervalues friendship, Scripture elevates it.

    A Daily Model for Friendship

    So what might it look like to live this out every day?

    • Choose loyalty over advantage
    • Celebrate others without comparison
    • Speak courage, not fear
    • Keep your promises
    • Let love be generous, not grasping

    This Valentine’s Day, whether you are single, married, dating, or grieving, remember: love is bigger than romance. And friendship—true, faithful, sacrificial friendship—is one of God’s greatest gifts.

    May we all be the kind of friends who knit souls together, strengthen hands in God, and love in ways that leave a legacy.