Today is Valentine’s Day. Although it’s a day often characterized by cards, chocolates and romance, did you know that Valentine was actually a Christian martyr from the 3rd century?

[If you want to know more about him, or some advice for a stronger love, click on the blog post below.]

But today I want to take the opportunity to share a thought about love—not necessarily romantic love, but love in general. The love and care we have for family members, friends and neighbours.

We live in a disposable society. We waste and dispose tonnes of food each day. We use and toss single-use plastics out the wazoo. We burn through gasoline, electronics, toys and fashions like they are going out of style.

Because of that, it’s easy to think that people are disposable too.

But they’re not.

People are astonishingly valuable. We are made in God’s “own image” (Genesis 1:27) and are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). God loves us so much that, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

We live in a disposable world. But people are not.

One way we can love the people around us is simply to listen to them. After all, something shimmers within them of the shining light of God.

Too often we make it more complicated than it needs to be. Listen. Empathize. Offer a word of encouragement.

One way we can love the people around us is simply to listen to them.

By Matthew Ruttan

–“Who was Valentine, and some advice for a stronger love.” Click on the title to read the blog. Enjoy!

–This Sunday at Westminster in Barrie I’m teaching about the maturity and joy that flow from cultivating HUMILITY.  You should come!

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.

–“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on February 17.