Will you be God's valentine?

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones in the name of "Valentine's Day." This one day out of the other twenty-seven days of the month, signifies a time for people to get together and share love with one another. I am richly blessed to be allowed to spend time sharing God's love with others. Why just one day of the week, the month, or the year? Here's an idea! Instead of candy, flowers, and gifts to signify our love for one another, let's foster love through ministries to churches and communities.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not parish but have eternal life. John 3:16" (NIV) God loved us so much and as Disciples, we should love as God loved. All year we can foster love by ministering to our churches through special programs and workshops. These special programs and workshops may extend from general appreciation days (i.e. Graduation Sunday, Grandparent's Day, and Founder's Day) to lay leadership training for better discipleship. This love is beneficial for the Disciple as, well as the church, thus bringing the members closer together through Godly love.

Our communities need love too. We can minister to them as well. One way is to minister to the physical need, by providing clothing and food to needy families and/or others whenever we are told of a need. Another would be to provide transportation for people to and from church, the grocery store, the doctor's office or other personal needs. Love can be fostered through mentoring young people and providing them with the tools necessary to aid them in their pursuit of higher education. Let us not forget about showing love to our Seasoned Seniors. They too should see us on a regular basis, not just when the calendar states that it is a special day. A simple act of kindness to a sick, lonely, or insecure person can make that individual feel loved and valuable.

There are so many ways we can exhibit love for one another in a Christian manner throughout the year. We must remember Jesus is the Captain of the ship: Heaven is our destination! I pray that each of us will strive to demonstrate his/her love of God and service to our churches and communities. May your year be filled with love for God and towards each other.