Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

1 Corinthians 8:1

February is here, and with it, the sounds and symbols of Valentine’s Day as millions prepare to celebrate love. But what is love? Is it the swooning feeling that comes over us when we see someone we are attracted to? Is it the chocolates, flowers, teddy bears and candy we exchange as a mark of undying devotion to one another? According to the apostle Paul, love goes so much deeper than this. Love means considering the needs of others first.

In I Corinthians 8: 1-13, Paul addresses a young congregation that is wrestling with questions relating to their pagan feasts; for instance, should they participate in these feasts and what should they do with leftover animals left at pagan temples. Paul acknowledges the challenges they are facing but reminds them that love should override knowledge. Even though their level of understanding permits some to eat meat offered to idols, for the sake of the weaker brethren, Paul advises that they should refrain from doing so. Instead, Paul urges them to exercise love, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8; See also: Romans 5:8; Matthew 22: 37-39; 1 Corinthians 13:1).

And therefore, while there is nothing wrong with celebrating Valentine’s Day, let us ask God to give us the opportunity to exercise selfless love; a love where we choose to be kind rather than right. This may mean forgiving someone or letting go of a grudge. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your specific situation.

Dear Lord, we acknowledge that if you were to hold our weaknesses against us, NO ONE would stand. So, we beseech you Holy Spirit, teach us to love deeply, generously, and daily, even as Jesus has loved and continues to love us. Help us deal gently and non-critically with those brothers and sisters of weaker faith (Philippians 2:3) in recognition that you deal gently with us every day. AMEN!