14 February. Valentine’s Day. An occasion that is very much commercialised and constantly associated with an overwhelming number of chocolates and flowers. It is the day where couples express love to each other in various ways. As the world revels in romantic love, I recall myself mourning alone.
I used to feel very left out on Valentine’s Day. Having been single and evergreen[1] my whole life, I longed to have a partner who would celebrate Valentine’s Day with me too. In the past, I’ve always imagined how wonderful it would be to have a significant other who would shower me with hugs, kisses, and a ton of gifts. It was a big dream that I desired and always kept close to my heart. All these years, I have been praying unceasingly and crying out to God, asking Him to allow me to meet the “right one”. Sometimes I get tired and angry with God, wondering why He is keeping me waiting for so long, while many of my friends have already long been attached. There seemed to be a void in my heart that could not be filled every Valentine’s Day, which caused me to feel sad and like an outcast.
However, as I grew older over the years and matured into a Christian young adult, my perspective of Valentine’s Day miraculously changed. By God’s goodness and grace, He opened the eyes of my heart and gave me His wisdom and vision to view Valentine’s Day in a different light. I was called to remember that my identity was anchored in Christ alone, and that I did not necessarily need a significant other to complete me or to make me feel affirmed and accepted in this world. Neither did I need to possess a romantic partner first in order to attain a sense of joy and fulfilment in life. Gradually, this allowed me to see the importance of turning to Jesus and prioritising my relationship with Him first, because only He can fill my heart and satisfy my soul.
- “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)
As Christians, we have a God who loves us unconditionally. He accepts us for who we are, and crowns us righteous and beloved in His eyes. Nothing can stand in the way of God’s unfailing love for us. This truth comforted and reassured me, and it made me realise that single or attached, I am still a child of God and forever loved by Him. I learnt that everyday can be Valentine’s Day for me, and likewise for any of you reading this!
- “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Ps 16:11)
Instead of feeling dejected every year when Valentine’s Day is around the corner, we can perceive it as a day to celebrate our relationship with God. We can regard Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for us to “chase after our Creator even more, pursuing a deeper, more satisfying and more glorifying relationship with Him” (Grace Rankin). This can become a special day for us singles, to remember and give thanks for the love and unmerited favour that He has showered us with. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for all our sins. Now, we can freely receive the “gifts of contentment, fulfilment, and hope from God” (Grace Rankin). We can joyously celebrate this day, because we know that our Heavenly Father loves us so much, and promises to be with us till the very end of the day and age.
- “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:20)
- “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)
- “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jer 31:3)
So this Valentine’s Day, I would like to encourage all of you who are single like me to make the personal choice to receive God’s love freely! This year, we can all look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day, in the light of God’s overflowing love for us and the intimate relationship that we have with Him. Let’s all use this day to glorify God and to give Him all the honour and praise that He deserves.
I pray that all of you will continue to seek God and find joy in Him, resting in the truth and knowledge that we are made whole in Jesus Christ alone. God is in us; we are more than enough. Let’s choose to use this day to dwell on God’s sacrifice and love for us, and to be immersed in His presence forever. Have a blessed Valentine’s Day!
[1] Someone who has no dating experience
Works Cited
Rankin, Grace. (2017, February 14). 14 Feb. 2017, Valentine’s Day for Single Christians. desiringGod. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/valentines-day-for-single-christians. Accessed 31 Dec 2022.
Read also: Celebrate Love this February: The Heart of the Gospel is that We are All Loved ; What I Wish for the New Year
