Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

Read

1 John 2:7-17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness.

I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.

I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young people,
because you have conquered the evil one.

I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young people,
because you are strong
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

Reflect

I sometimes chuckle when I see God work in small ways. Take the scripture for today as an example. Yes, it is Valentine’s Day and the scripture does speak of love. It also speaks of light and darkness and as a friend reminded me recently, Valentine’s Day can be a time of light or darkness for different people. For most couples, Valentines is a day of light. It is a joyful occasion. It is a time to create special memories with loved ones. After all, we are told that whoever loves is living in the light.

But we must also remember that there are those who feel trapped and alone in the world. Valentines may be a reminder to them of just how alone they are. There are others who may have never experienced love in their lives and have grown up only knowing the brutality of hate. Valentine’s Day is just another day of darkness for them.

Beloved, our greatest love comes from God. God is our ultimate valentine each and every day. God always loves us, God always desires that we walk in the light and share that agape love with others in what can be a dark world at times.

Pray

Loving God, we thank you that you loved us so much that you gave us Jesus, the light of the world, our savior. Your words throughout scripture are a love letter to us. Help us to be Christ-like and share your love with others who need a light in the darkness. Amen.

Go with God!