Does $164.76 Say I Love You?
Last year, the average American spent $164.76 on Valentine’s Day cards, candies, and flowers. As a nation, we spent almost $22 billion all in an attempt to say; I Love You.1. All those flowers wilted, the candy was eaten, and most cards were thrown out. Is it worth it? We would all probably say yes! Telling someone you love them is important, and at times giving a gift of love is a great reminder of our love.
Did you know that God loves us? Most of us know that. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ is ultimately the first Valentine. He is God’s Valentine to us.
The amazing thing is He did that, asking nothing in return. Isaac Watts, the former slave trader who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, wrote another classic hymn about God’s love for us entitled When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Watts expresses amazement at the love of God in giving up His only Son for us through this great hymn. The last verse says it best:
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
As we focus on worship through our offering this morning, we give not to earn God’s love. God’s love is already freely given. We give to express our love and gratitude for His gift, the ultimate Valentine! When you give here, we use your gifts to help spread the love of God locally and around the world.
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