The Gift of Encouragement for Valentine’s Day

I remember being in grade school years ago when Valentine’s Day would come around. The week before, my Mother and I would hit the grocery store, trying to find one of those boxes filled with little Valentine’s Day cards that could take care of a class of 30 children. We would bring them home, and then I would get out my list of names of all of my classmates. I didn’t write much on each card—just my name. (However, if there was a girl I was halfway interested in, I might have written, “Love, Jack.”)

Actually, I really wasn’t all that interested in writing those cards. It was a lot of work and hassle as far as my eight-year-old self was concerned. However, when I got to class on Valentine’s Day, I was very interested in receiving those Valentine wishes from others!

Somehow, there is something about a note addressed to us that really gets our interest. Whenever someone takes the time to get out a piece of paper…or buy a card…and then personalize it by writing something nice…well, that just really grabs us. It’s the same way with a note sent via email. I haven’t met anyone that quickly dismissed a truly encouraging note. (Even today I keep a folder in my email account labeled “encouragement!”)

Taking the time to consider someone else is a form of love. I think that’s why we read in our Bible to:

… encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, … encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24–25

On Valentine’s Day, you will seek to encourage your spouse or your romantic interest with your love and recognition of them. You want them to be affirmed and even built up by your words. But encouragement is not meant to be practiced occasionally. It is something that we all need, and frequently!

When was the last time you thought to drop a note of encouragement to someone else—like maybe the cleaning people in your office? Or your co-worker? Ever thought to give your babysitter a boost? Perhaps the coach of your child’s sports team could use a little note, especially after giving up countless hours to your child. Maybe it’s a neighbor that could use a little affirmation. Or what about that LIFE group leader…or even the host of your LIFE group?

Who is it in your sphere of life that could use a little boost? This month as we see those little pictures of Cupid shooting his arrows of love on Valentine’s Day, maybe we could also remember to shoot a little encouragement to one another as well!