On 15th February you may notice staff in the greeting card shops in St Albans and Harpenden packing away products which have failed to sell.

Some years ago you could purchase beautiful cards at this time of year, even if many strayed into the sentimental showing a pair of cute animals.

Now many Valentine cards seem to be blatantly in-your-face, rather than highlighting the romantic or the commitment of a long-term relationship. Others go for a style of humour that is simply crude.

In our celebration of Valentine’s Day we’ve ended up with a mockery of real love – and a painful reminder for many people of broken relationships, loveless marriages or unmet desire for a partner.

Loneliness has recently been highlighted as a cause for real concern in our culture. Valentine’s Day can exacerbate that in a painful way. Perhaps for you.

The Bible says much about love. If you want the erotic, in a context of exquisitely beautiful poetry, read the Song of Songs in the Old Testament.

But the key word in the New Testament is a Greek work meaning purposeful love, not so much impulsive or emotional.

It describes an incredible commitment that God has for us by sending Jesus Christ to live, to die and to be raised to life again.

A love we are then to show to others.

This is love that is much more than a feeling, and so much more than most Valentine Day cards ever express.

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here