Valentine’s Day was earlier this week. All over the world people showed love to others by sharing cards, candy, flowers, and other types of gifts.

For Valentine’s Day approximately 145 million cards are purchased and delivered. It is estimated that in America alone over 20 billion dollars is spent related to this holiday. That’s a lot of love!

Most believe the holiday originated with Valentine, a Roman priest and physician. Valentine is thought to have been executed by Emperor Claudius II on February 14th 270 AD for violating his order forbidding marriage. Valentine would perform marriages for loving couples in secret. Valentine was, amongst other things, a true romantic.

Love is a powerful force and emotion in our world today. There is no greater example of love than Jesus. In fact, Jesus said everything that had been written in the scriptures until His arrival on earth depended on love. Jesus was asked by a religious leader of the day, of all the commandments, which is most important. This is what Jesus said.

37 ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40 NLT)

Love God with everything you have! Love others as you love yourself! Over time these words have been referred to as “The Great Commandments”. These two powerful instructions of Jesus overarch every other teaching in scripture.

How much better would our lives be if we truly went all in and followed “The Great Commandments”? Would we become better parents? Would we be better friends, better husbands, and wives? Better employees? The answer to these questions is a resounding YES!

Perhaps today you could set forth on a path to love as Jesus taught us. Spend some time with God, maybe just a few minutes. Ask Him to help you get closer to Him. To show you how to better love Him. Begin to read the Gospel of John in the Bible. Maybe a chapter or two a day. Show someone an act of kindness and love in your life.

Start small and watch the power of God’s love grow and flourish in your life. It will make a lasting impact on you and those around you that flowers and candy just can’t match.

You can write the Pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com.