"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on your hearts. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4)
"What are you doing for Valentine's Day?" she asked while coloring the locks of my hair. A visit to the hair salon often leads to questions of holiday celebrations and ministry opportunities. "Nothing formal", I tell her with a smile, "every day is Valentine's Day in our house". As humbly as I could, I told her that my husband and I are so thankful God brought us together that we express our love daily in word and deed. She was intrigued and wanted to know more.
As she wrapped my head in foil to give me a sun-kissed glow I shared how he first saw me in church. Unbeknown to me (until Jon told me months later) it was my hair that first caught his eye. As we spent time together the character of each other was what we fell in love with. The outside package may have been the initial attractor, but if there was no inner beauty we wouldn't have lasted. There aren't enough jewels, clothing or cosmetics to cover up a deceitful or selfish heart.
She told me she wished her boyfriend would do more to express his love, like send her flowers on special occasions. I felt her pain. Every woman wants to feel adored by the man she loves. Sensing her sorrow I could have succumbed to male bashing or listing my husband's short-comings. But along with our marriage vows Jon and I promised to never speak ill of each other in public or to a friend. We edify and honor as we focus on the strengths the other person brings to our relationship. Our challenges are worked out between us with God's help, not in moments of idle chit chat with outsiders.
Honestly, the only person who will ever love any of us to the fullest is God. No other human being can replace Him. We all fail each other. If you want to know the greatest love there is, it's a personal intimate relationship with Jesus. If you want to be a bejeweled beauty, one whose gems will never fade, you must admit you are a sinner who can only be washed clean by Christ's blood on the cross. He will make you shine brightly with a heavenly glow and show you how to give and receive love as He intended.
Be faithful to study God's Word and let Him change you. The Bible is the Lord Almighty's love letter to us! It is not enough to memorize verses. The head and the heart must be one in love with God. We must bury Scripture like rare diamonds in our heart for the King of Kings has shared Himself with us.
What adorns your neck and chest this Valentine's Day? Are they words of love, grace and forgiveness? We can only display on the outside what the Holy Spirit has implanted on the inside. Are you wearing God's royal gems? "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on your hearts. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4)
Your fellow herald for Christ,
Mary
