Valentine's Day. A day awash in red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and whispered sweet nothings. It's a day dedicated to love, a feeling so powerful it can move mountains and mend broken hearts. But what is the true source of this love, and how does it connect to the most important relationships in our lives – our families?
For many, Valentine's Day is synonymous with romantic love. But I believe the love we share with our families, the deep-rooted affection and unwavering support, stems from something even greater: our love for God. It's from this divine wellspring that our capacity to love others truly flows. When we cultivate our relationship with the Lord, we open our hearts to a love that transcends the fleeting emotions of infatuation and taps into a deeper, more enduring kind of love. This love, in turn, overflows into our families, shaping how we nurture, forgive, and cherish the people closest to us.
Think about it: God's love is unconditional, patient, and forgiving. These are the very qualities we strive to embody in our families. When we are rooted in His love, we are better equipped to extend grace, offer forgiveness, and demonstrate unwavering support, even when things get tough (as they inevitably do in family life!). It's this divine love that empowers us to put our family's needs before our own, to celebrate their triumphs, and to comfort them in their sorrows.
This Valentine's Day, let's not just focus on the romantic gestures, but also on the quiet, everyday acts of love that strengthen our family bonds. A warm hug, a listening ear, a shared laugh – these seemingly small moments are the building blocks of a loving family. They are the tangible expressions of the divine love that resides within us.
Over the years, certain books and studies have profoundly impacted my understanding of love and how it manifests in my relationships, particularly within my family. They've challenged me to love more deeply, more intentionally, and more generously. I'd love to share a few that have been particularly influential:
You and Me Forever: by Francic Chan. This book will radically shift the way you view on of the most important relationships in your life.
Sacred Marriage: by Gary Thomas. What is God designed marriage to make us Holy rather than make us Happy. WOAH
Everybody Always: by Bob Goff. There are not enough words in the english language to express how much I recommend this book. This changed the way I love other people.
Grace Marriage Class: There is a book and workbook you can do at home but out chruch offered a Grace Marriage Class and it was lifechanging! Even My husband said so! Ask your church about sponsoring a class or do it at home yourself!
I encourage you to explore these resources (and others that resonate with you) and reflect on how you can cultivate a deeper love for God and, consequently, a stronger love for your family. This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate not just romantic love, but the divine love that fuels all our relationships, especially the precious bond we share with our families. Let's make every day a celebration of love, rooted in faith and expressed through kindness, compassion, and unwavering support.
Thank you for supporting Manna for Momma!! Happy Love Day!
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