It's February 13th and class is wrapping up. Above the rustling of papers and book bag zippers, our sweet, bubbly professor sends our release in the form of wishing us a Happy Valentine's Day. Much to her surprise, the room was immediately flooded with moans and groans, sounding like some deep ache from the belly of a whale that was about to swallow us whole. You could just feel the damp, dark cloud of disappointment, dread, and bitterness weigh down on our shoulders.
This week, I have had numerous conversations with sisters who dread the "Day of Love" like a child addicted to Jolly Ranchers dreads a dentist visit. While every woman (and man) has had her unique experiences that shape her thoughts of this day, most of our negativity is formed around disappointments, loneliness, and the sting of coveting those few who have no idea what these things feel like today...
Dear sisters, I do want to be sensitive about this topic, but the purpose of this post is not merely to remind you that you are loved by the only perfect Lover, which you are, or to remind you that Christ gave His own life for you, which is infinitely greater than any card or flower or box of chocolates. The purpose of this post is to remind you of the greater calling that you have been called to by the grace of God.
Paul was a man who spent the end of his life fulfilled with the passion of his calling. In Acts 9:15, we see God clearly speak to Ananias about Paul in saying, "...he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name..." He goes on to explain that Paul will suffer great things for the sake of the gospel, but no where in any of Paul's letters does he ever complain to God about these sufferings. In fact, in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, he actually rejoices in them. Why? -Because these things bring glory to God, which is his whole life purpose.
After laboring for years with the Galatians, false teachers step in and try to sway them to believe lies- that they must meet certain requirements and perform certain deeds in order to truly be Christians. Paul boldly speaks truth to the people- truth that will cost him persecution and will clothe him with a big red target in the eyes of their leaders. He reminds them of their freedom- that it is finished. Complete. There is nothing left to do but to be transformed by the love of God and to enjoy Him forever. In Galatians 2:5, he describes his experience with some of the people who were pushing these false requirements and stated, "...to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you." Purpose-fulfilled.
Paul recognizes something profound here: we- God's children, His body, His ambassadors- are the vessels created to preserve the very truth of His Gospel. What do Paul's actions tell us about the truth of the Gospel? -It tells me that it is worth living and dying for, that laboring is never in vain, that the only glory we should seek is God's, that sufferings can be the best things for us...
So what truths of the gospel will you display today? Sisters, the way that we handle Valentine's Day will surely reflect the truths of the Gospel that we believe. For example, dreary dread from a godly woman today translates to a non-believer or even young Christian that even though this woman is in Christ, she is lacking something. On the same note, giddy excitement about a man translates into fulfillment obtained by the love of a man. It relays the message that there is still something to be obtained in order to have a countenance full of light, a bounce in her step, and a heart that radiates love. Is this true? Is there really anything outside of Christ worth grasping and groping for, which, if not obtained, leads to disappointment and frustration?
Don't get me wrong- I'm not suggesting that if you are experiencing some deep pain or grief, that you mask yourself or "grin and bear it." This gets dangerous, makes your heart numb. I am no counselor, but I would encourage you to go deep with your heavenly Lover about these pains. Don't put a band-aid over wounds that need stitches. Take them to the Great Physician who will wrap you up in His love while He heals. You may just find that in carrying your heart to Him, it's actually been in His hands the whole time.
Sisters, we have been called by God's grace to carry His Name, to preserve His truth, to live as women who are alive, to share this love with those who have never tasted of it. This Love that you are called to display is already yours.
