There are many men who scoff at Valentine's day.
They say that it is a money racket, a scam, designed by shops to lull weak minded guys into buying a lot of stuff. The question is asked "Why should i set aside one day to show my wife i love her when there are 365 days in the year?"
To this last statement, which comes in various forms, the simple response comes; "Well, how do you show her 365 days a year that you love her? What ways do you romance her heart and win her affections?"
In my experience, most of, (not all), the guys who say this; plainly speaking; don't romance their wives throughout the year.
I love the idea of romancing and showing love 365 days per year, (my wife wishes i'd do it), but also love a special occasion when i can spoil my wife that bit extra. Much like we glorify God 7 days a week, yet set aside 1 day (Sunday) to go all out in worship of Him. We don't say "I'm not going to Church because there's 7 days a week to uplift Him." No, we worship with our lives for 6 days, then, we worship Him again on the 7th day (or 1st day of the week, depending on how you want to read it).
And so it is with our wives: romance their hearts throughout the year, then use special occasions to . . . keep on romancing their hearts.
But here's a few other thoughts on why valentines can benefit Christians:
The biggest problem in N.Ireland (socially speaking) is 'relationship breakdown.' Even the simplest gesture this valentine's day could go a huge way in deepening, strengthening and re-affirming your relationship with your spouse. It will take a lot more than one day to deepen or save relationships, but it may be a great time to recommit yourself to pouring effort into your relationship and friendship with your wife, and a re-starting point for the coming months and years together.
For those already drinking deeply in their marriage, it is a mere excuse for enjoying and delighting in each other some more.
It re-affirms, to our children that daddy and mummy are staying together.
Children watch, and pick up on everything. So when the rest of society is talking love, romance and cards; yet Christian daddy doesn't, young children are going to wonder why not. Again, romance, and casting a vision to our children of this, is a progressive thing that should run the course of each year. But it is a great opportunity to, not just join the whole 'romance' theme of the day, but, using it as an excuse, cry aloud within our homes that the 7th commandment is obeyed.
It is a great opportunity to glorify Christ.
Marriage is a parable about Christ and His Church. Therefore how your wife answers her friends when they ask "what did he do for valentines?" can be a great platform to uplift the true and perfect groom; Jesus.
Who knows, seeing or hearing of your continual romance towards your wife could move others to ask you for advice in rekindling their marriage, this itself becoming a moment to point to Jesus.
Your Wife will love it!
Come on, what woman doesn't love it when her husband treats her, buys a gift (no matter how small), brings breakfast in bed, and pampers her with gentle and romantic words affirming his love and desire towards her.
This, surely is enough of a reason to bring a huge smile to her face as you use valentine's day as an excuse to romance her.
Tips for men:
