SO on Sunday many of us celebrated St Valentine’s Day. Some bought loved ones presents or gave cards, whilst some parts of the world ban Valentine’s Day celebrations as being culturally inappropriate, and still others consider it to be an over commercialised, pointless event. Their loved ones after all, already know they are cherished!

However, is this concept of demonstrating ones love something new or profoundly ancient?

In the gospel of John, the writer encourages his audience to ‘let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth’ (1 John 3:18). This is a recurring theme throughout the scriptures culminating with ‘God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8).

Perhaps then, it sometimes is necessary for us to show our love for people through a material and/or visible act. Perhaps the reality of love is not confined to the realm of our thinking, but is rather visible, concrete, tangible.

Whether that looks like a plastic rose on Valentine’s Day, or simply letting those we love know how special they are to us throughout the year, what is important is that we declared our love towards them.

After all, Christ did not stop at just professing his infinite love towards us, but followed it up with the ultimate act of all, in the process, revealing the extent of his love and commitment towards us.

So then, is there anyone in your life that longs for an open demonstration of your love? The time to show them may be now.

Michael Hulland

Minster, Skipton Champions Church