Hope Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan

Today is Valentine's Day. It recalls the story of a man named Valentinius that was jailed and sentenced to die for his Christian faith. While in jail, he befriended a servant girl, and began sending her notes about his faith. Over time, those notes became the modern Valentine...well, sort of.

Today Valentines are our way of expressing our love and affection to one another. I remember being in grade school and filling out all the Valentines for my class mates, especially that one I thought was pretty special. The flutter of the heart as we watch that special someone open a Valentine never gets old.

However, today's version of Valentines misses the whole point. Valentinius did not express his love to that little girl. He expressed God's love to her, and if the legend it true, she embraced God's love for her and now resided in heaven. God's love is the only love that is perfect, and the only love that can save!

Today as you give out whatever Valentines you may, make sure that your loved ones don't just have your love, but make sure they have the real true love of God. His love is perfect, and brings life forever!

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
1 John 4:10

Don't forget there's homework:

+ How can you give a real Valentine to someone who needs it today?

Prayer Requests:

+ Pray that God's love may flow from His people around the world.

+ For all who battle pain, hurt, and death, pray that the Lord will show them is eternal love, and so buoy and cheer their hearts.

Don't forget to check out the latest sermons and bible studies at HopeWarren.org.

Jesus is our Hope!
+ Pastor John