Being Single on Valentines Day

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As you are waking up this morning.

And if you are waking up alone and don't have a date with a "special someone."

I'm certain that in some way, you and I (Yes, I'm in your shoes this year) are tempted to get down, to believe that we are unloved, or say something insanely crazy on Facebook (wha? wha?)

So, as you are reading this (and you are reading this), let me put a few things in your mind, especially if you are a Christ-follower.

  • Jesus COMMANDS for us not to be miserable and wallowing in self-pity.
He has come that we have life to the full, and that includes when we are single.  In Philippians, Paul writes that we are to "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice."   If you belong to Christ, these are not options, so live out of joy and not out of emotional scarcity.
  • Single doesn't mean "alone."  Be with friends and invest in them.
Barricading yourself in your house to avoid the sea of pink and Russell Stover chocolates in abundance is not quite the overcoming life that we have been called to live.  Find a group of friends and go out, or throw a party.  Valentines Day is not the only day to love on people, as it is also not an excuse for anyone to be selfish.  Go get in community and have some fun tonight.
  • Translating the "romantic love" of Valentines Day with the love Jesus has for us is good, but...
It's not the same thing.  It's not even close.  The love that Jesus gives us is far different than the love that comes with pink hearts, red roses, and dark chocolates. 

The love of Jesus is the kind that comes with red scars, a bloody cross, and an empty tomb.  It is the love that, like the father to the prodigal son, runs to you when you are in the sewer and hugs you when you smell like poop.   It is a love that makes you a brand new person, and doesn't contain any calories.  It is the love that changes the world.

So, as you go out today....

Rejoice always.

Get in community

Remember, how much you are loved, and then give that love back. 

For my friends that will be coming to have a little fun at my house tonight, we're going to have a blast. 

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