An Opportunity With Your Child For Valentine’s Day
By Dr. Bob Barnes
February, being the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, is a great time to teach our children about the word, “Love.” Unfortunately, the word “Love” has been debauched by things our children see in the media. Love is one of the most powerful, overriding themes of the Bible. God loved the world… What does that mean?
Begin by asking your child, “What do you think love is?” and “Where should they go for the answer as to what love is?” If God is love, we should go to Him for the best definition.
God tells us He first loved us before we loved Him. Then He tells us that we are to love him so much that we choose to love the people He places around us.
Luke 10:28 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” ESV
First, I am to love God and then show that I love Him by loving everyone … everyone He places around me. Love is not a feeling; but something you do! That is why we give to others in need.
Ask your kids if they can think of anyone that the family could do something for to show that they love God. The best part about helping other people, because we love God, is that we don’t need to hear that person say “thank you.” We are choosing to express our love for God. Then ask the kids what is one thing each of them can do for another person as a Valentine’s gift to God. Remember, love is not what you feel. Love is what you do.