Valentine's Day is once a year ...

The first time you tell that special someone you love them , it can be a scary experience. What if they reject me? What if they don't hear me and I have to repeat myself? What if they laugh? When we find out someone loves us back it becomes easier to say "I love you" to that person. As time goes on, instead of that big build up to "I love you", it becomes a "Love you" shouted on the way out the door or a " Love ya" as the phone is hung up.

Truth be told, the words I love you really don't mean a whole lot unless there is action behind them.

Love itself is what is left when being in love has burned away.

Once a year we give that special someone a card , candy or flowers to remind them that we love them, but really we could hand a card to a person on the street that says "I love you" but it doesn't mean anything because there is no action behind it. No caring words, no quality time, no listening ear...

God calls us to love the way He loved - unconditionally. God doesn't need Valentines Day to show His love to us. He does it all the time, maybe not the way we always want, but in the way that is best for us!

Likewise a marriage is a lifetime commitment. Loving someone for who they are - faults and all - is an action and a choice.

Our message last Sunday reminded us of that fact...

Here are 3 skills of those who love for a lifetime

1. Remember we are different and adapt accordingly.

2. Asking for and granting forgiveness.

3. Decide to love and keep on loving!

Just as Jesus doesn't abandon us when we reject or "hurt" Him. so we should not reject or hold a grudge against those we have said the words "I love you".

God's love for us is not a once a year thing, and our love for others - whether it be a spouse, family member, or friend should not be either.

Practice the skill of a lifetime lover you'll "feel the love" in a way you have never felt before!

This week's Love Dare

Marries Couples: Renew your vows to each other

Singles:

1. Affirm differences in the opposite gender.

2. Be forgiving

3. Decide to love and keep on loving a close friend.