So many of these holidays were not given by God, but can cause hurt feelings when someone doesn't do what the world does or what someone else expects them to do.
There is no need for a special day to express our love toward someone. We do that every day as we walk through life with them if we are a kind and empathetic person.
Many years ago when I was very young I thought it was necessary for a spouse to do what everyone else was doing, with the candy, flowers and cards.
When I became born again I realized that a one time a year expression of friendliness with these things was not an indication of love, it was tradition people thought they had to do.
When our expression of "love" is based on expectations of others it loses its impact. I prefer to be shown love every day and in all circumstances than to be ignored all year and receive something that is "expected" out of obligation.
Our world has burdened the believer by all these "expected" holidays that have nothing to do with Christ's love or living His life.
The devil knew what he was doing when he developed these holidays. He managed to make people angry at someone for not giving them a gift, as though a gift is the real expression of love.
Then the devil managed to get other people to call one another up, further pressure, to ask "what did you get for Valentines day."
I am thankful that Christ never gave these holidays that promote psudo-love, based on appearances. God's love is played out every single day in those that love Him.
Isn't service and companionship toward those we love far more valuable than any gift that arrives once or twice a year?
None of the holidays were given by God! God gave the Lord's supper which is to be done whenever we come together and the focus is Christ.
When Christ is the leader, the lover and the purpose, then our love will be seen clearly without any fanfare.
Ephesians 4:2
"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,"
The love of Christ in us is a daily matter, continual and consistent. I would rather have a loved one sit with me while I am sick than a gift sent to the house once a year.
I am blessed that during my surgeries my husband took very good care of me. He served me meals, sat with me when he could and saw to my every need. Flowers or candy once a year could not compare to that devotion.
Those who walk through life with you are the ones who love you. Christ does that everyday. The gift of God is companionship in hard and good times. Sharing the sadness along with the joys is what happens when there is love.
1 John 3:14-19
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
Forget about the once a year gifts and remember the ways your spouse stood by you when you needed them.
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