READ: JOHN 15:12-15; ROMANS 12:9-10; GALATIANS 6:2

I’ll never forget Valentine’s Day my freshman year of high school. There was a boy in my English class who was super cute, and even though we hadn’t ever uttered more than a greeting to each other, I kept my hopes up that Valentine’s Day would spark something more.

On my way to catch the bus that morning, I found a balloon bouquet on my porch. Giddy, I spent the whole ride to school wondering who could’ve sent it to me. All day in class, my mind spun with romantic fantasies. When I arrived home, I read the note attached to the balloons, only to discover this wasn’t a grand romantic gesture from a secret admirer. It was a surprise from my best friend, a sister in Christ who I didn’t get to see often but always encouraged me. I’ll admit, I was disappointed. I didn’t feel special anymore. This wasn’t my year to be someone’s valentine.

Later, God helped me realize He had given me a good gift, even if it wasn’t a mutual crush. He blessed me with a godly friend who showed me the genuine and generous love of Christ. While romance (and, maybe someday, marriage) are good things that God created to bless us and further His kingdom, sometimes we forget that friendship is also a gift from our Creator. Crushes may come and go, but godly friends can leave a lasting impact on our spiritual journeys.

Friendships offer us a unique opportunity to live out the selfless love of Jesus, whether that be through forgiving mistakes or supporting each other through hardships. Practicing selflessness not only helps cultivate authentic relationships, but it reminds us of how Jesus, who loves us most of all, laid down His life so that we can have an eternal relationship with Him.

It’s natural to long for romance and affection, particularly from someone we admire, but what our hearts need most of all is the sustaining love of Christ. As we walk closely with Jesus, we will overflow with His everlasting love (John 15:5; Romans 5:5). • Hannah Chung

• It’s not wrong to desire romance and, maybe someday, marriage. As we navigate crushes, and all the hopes and disappointments they bring, it helps to talk with trusted Christian friends and mentors who can remind us that God sees us and cares about us. Who could do this for you?

• Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a lonely time for single people—it can be an opportunity to show friends how much they mean to us. Even though we may feel alone, God is with us, ready to welcome us into His family with open arms (Genesis 16:13). Consider asking God to help you notice ways you could bless others and show them the love of His eternal family this week.

[Jesus said,] “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)