Happy Valentine’s Day!

A lot of emphasis will be placed on the word “love” today. Husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, sweethearts young and old will find a way to say, “I love you.” It’s a happy day for many, but others will not feel that way, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you’re a single person who would love to be married, but God’s timing is different than yours. Maybe you’re like my own sweet mama, who is grieving the recent passing of her valentine.

Whatever your circumstance, I can say with full confidence, that there is One who desires to show you how much He loves you. He is the lover of our souls, and His name is Jesus. If we let Him, He will fill up the empty places of our hearts with His presence and His comfort; after all, your heart was created for Him – He is the only true “soulmate.”

As I read Proverbs 14 today, I was reminded of how “love” and “truth” are so connected, both in scripture and in our practical experience in life. There’s no greater destroyer of love than betrayal, and betrayal always begins with a lie.  The people in your life who are willing to tell you the truth are the ones who really love you.

That’s one reason why I love Jesus. He tells me the truth. After all, He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

What is the truth? Consider these verses (Proverbs 14:12,15-16,26-27).

There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. … The naïve believes everything, but the sensible man considers all his steps. A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless. … In the fear of the Lord there is a strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

God’s Word, the words of Jesus, who is the Word (John 1:1) are very clear. There are two paths we can take in this earthly journey. One leads to death. The other leads to life. That is the truth, the reality. If I love you, and I truly believe these words, wouldn’t I tell you?

Because God loves us so much, He did tell us. Over and over and over.

He told us through His creation.

Psalm 19:1-4 – The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world.i

Romans 1:20 – For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

He told us through the prophets of old.

Hebrews 1:1 – God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways…

2 Timothy 3:15-16 – And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness…

2 Peter 1:20-21 – But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

He told us most clearly and finally, through His Son, Jesus.

Hebrews 1:2-3 – In these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

John 3:16-17 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

When someone tells you something, you have a choice to believe it, or not. Proverbs reminds us it is arrogant and foolish to believe everything the world tells us and disregard the words of our Creator. The naïve believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps. The sensible man is wise enough to stop and think, “I could be wrong. I could be deceived. I really don’t know everything!”

There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end is the way of death (14:12).

If you really thought the path you are on is leading to death – physical death and eternal, spiritual death – would you continue on it? But consider this, it seems right to you. In your heart of hearts, you are convinced your way is right. But could you be wrong?

On this Valentine’s Day, my prayer is that you hear the message of love and truth that Jesus longs to speak into your heart. If you have already heard and received this message, today is a good day to speak the truth in love to someone who needs to hear it, and to live gratefully and obediently for the One who loves you so much He was willing to die for you.

And if you haven’t believed yet, know this one thing…Jesus loves you and longs for you to know the truth. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.