Valentine’s Day Love for Our Troops
by Cynthia Odom
Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Hand-written love notes. Red roses. These are some of the ways that we express our love for one another on Valentine’s Day.
While many Americans will spend Valentine’s Day with that special someone, February 14th may be a lonely time for our military men and women and their families. While we exchange cards and candies, they are longing for just a moment with their loved one.
Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)” Why is love the greatest? Because love begins with Christ. We are called by God to show His love to others in an active, others-centered way. We are to invest in the lives of others, and proclaim Christ’s love to anyone who will listen.
Here are some simple ways that you can share Christ’s love with our troops and their families:
- Send Valentines to Veterans by locating a facility through the VA home page. If there is a facility nearby, call and ask if you can deliver them in person.
- Say “thank you” to any service member that you see.
- Wear a yellow ribbon.
- Bring homemade goodies to a military family in your church or neighborhood.
- Send a care package to a service member overseas. Click here for Nestle’s tips for sending baked goods.
- Proudly fly the American Flag.
And most importantly, pray for our troops and their families.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 (NIV)
