The Toughest Love

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

Valentine’s Day, also known as the “day of love”, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays. It’s the day when we’re supposed to tell those near and dear to us how much we cherish them. Because everyone needs to feel loved.

Love is powerful. So powerful in fact, Jesus summarized the entire Ten Commandments using only love:

“Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love others as yourself (Mark 12:30–31).”

“[Jesus said,] I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other (John 13:34).”

Now, when it comes to loving those closest to us, we should, of course, tell those people that we love them—and often. However, in reality, doing so requires very little faith on our part because chances are our love will be returned to us in equal measure. (Read Luke 6:32–33)

Once we’ve experienced the true nature of God’s unending, unconditional love, the only reasonable response is to share that love with others who have not yet experienced it.

But this is where Jesus asks us to lean on our faith. He gave another commandment that often seems illogical and at times, impossible. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you (Luke 6:27).” We are called to love the unlovable.

This selfless love He’s describing can only be expressed with the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit. When we put aside our emotions and trust the healing power of the Holy Spirit to help us and work through us for the benefit of those on the receiving end, we become a witness of God’s transforming love and power.

Today, in addition to telling your special someone how much they mean to you, maybe we should also reach out to those who wouldn’t normally come to mind on Valentine’s Day. 

Mark Henderson – Founder of The Inspired Legacy

Mark is a creative professional with more than 20 years experience in the fields of web design and advertising. He also serves as the chief content officer at The Inspired Legacy, an online ministry dedicated to shining a light on God’s gift of parenthood. The organization aims to inspire and equip fathers to boldly lead their families, love their kids unconditionally, and leave a legacy of grown children that carry on these same traditions. Mark resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with his wife, Kimberly. Together, they have three children, two girls, and one boy.