Robert & Kay Camenisch encouraging and equipping relationships

Alone at Valentine’s – Part 2

If you know Jesus Christ, you are not alone, because Jesus promised He  would never leave or forsake those who love Him. Connecting with Him is a sure way to not feel lonely during early February when it seems the whcropped Pensive lady on bench L8953674ole world is celebrating Valentine’s. However, something else will further fight the feeling of loneliness if you are down because you are not that special someone for somebody else.

When we are lonely, it’s because we are thinking of what we are missing, rather than being grateful for what we have. We want someone to love us, to be with us, to give us attention. If we continue to focus on what we’re missing, we will feel increasingly lonely and alone.

Jesus has a cure for that. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Many people around you are in need. If you are lonely, reach out to someone else. As you show love, you will be blessed in return.

Jesus also said, “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38). Don’t show love to someone else expecting them to reciprocate equally, give in order to bless the other person, with the assurance that the Lord will bless you in return. He will fill your need in accordance with how much you give out.

In His Word, God gives many guidelines for reaching out to others in love. A few of them are:

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same?” (Matt. 5:46). Bless someone outside your normal circles and see what happens.

Cropped Arnhem Market Sep 20 2013 (51)Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble” (Is. 35:3).

Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Th. 5:11).

This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (Jam. 1:27).

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal. 5:13-14).

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).  “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Col. 16:14).

We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).

If we follow Christ and are obedient to His Word, there is no reason to be lonely or alone at Valentine’s. We can be His arms and legs to carry His love to others. If we do that, we will be blessed too. Chances are, part of that blessing is that we we will no longer feel lonely.

Who can you reach out to for Valentine’s this year?

Alone at Valentine’s – Part 1

February is the season for Valentine’s. Newspapers, TV commercials, and stores OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAfill with red and pink cards, chocolates, and roses. There is no escaping it. It is the season of love and lovers. If  you aren’t somebody’s someone special, it can seem like you’re left out. Do you feel alone at Valentine’s?

Love is a good thing and expressing it to one you love is also good. But it doesn’t feel so good when you’re left out of the celebration. It seems a psalmist experienced similar feelings.

He said, “I lie awake, I have become like a lonely bird on a housetop.  My enemies [Valentines reminders?] have reproached me all day long; . . .  My days are like a lengthened shadow; And I wither away like grass”  (Ps. 102:7-8,11).

Even if you aren’t withering away, the question remains, what’s in Valentines for the person who doesn’t have a special friend to celebrate the season with? How can you keep your spirits up if no one is bringing you roses and you’re alone at Valentines?

The surest way is to remember the One who loved you before you were even born. He is the Rose of Sharon, and He wants to give Himself to you. His love is pure and perfect. He is faithful, will never leave you, and His love never fails.

Jesus said:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness” (Jer 31:3).

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:9-11).

“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mat 28:20b).

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jam 4:8).

You don’t have to be alone at Valentine’s. Draw near to God and let Him embrace you with His perfect love. He’s standing at the door and knocking. Will you let Him in?