Every February, shades of red dominate the atmosphere. Roses fill the streets, hearts decorate storefronts, and social media glows with romantic expressions. Valentine’s Day, as widely celebrated, is painted in red — a colour symbolising romance, passion, and emotional connection. For many, it is a season of gifts, dates, and public affection. Yet beyond the chocolates and candles lies a deeper question: What truly is love?
Modern Valentine’s celebrations are largely shaped by culture and commerce. Love is often presented as attraction, intense emotion, and grand gestures. While such expressions are not inherently wrong, they can reduce love to something to be displayed or consumed. In this atmosphere, some feel pressured, overlooked, or burdened by unmet expectations. The red we see becomes not only a symbol of romance, but also of comparison and emotional strain.
Scripture, however, presents a richer understanding. The Bible declares that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This truth shifts our focus from fleeting feelings to faithful commitment. Biblical love is sacrificial, patient, and rooted in truth. It is not merely about how we feel, but how we choose to act for the good of others.
For the believer, red carries deeper meaning. It points beyond roses to the cross of Jesus Christ, where love was fully revealed. The red of love is the blood He shed for humanity — an act of mercy and redemption. This is the greatest expression of love: unconditional, steadfast, and self-giving.
Viewed through this lens, Valentine’s Day becomes an opportunity for reflection. Couples are reminded that love is service and faithfulness. Singles are assured that their worth is secure in Christ. Ultimately, love is not seasonal or superficial. It is a daily calling — to love sincerely, sacrificially, and in the light of the cross.
Written by Deacon Obed Danso, Gbetsile District- Ashaiman Area
