"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34-35
Valentine's Day is a lovely reminder to cultivate a home that loves others well. Jesus was the most radiant reflection of the love of His Father through His kindness, compassion, and selflessness. This year, instead of focusing on chocolate or flowers—both of which I personally enjoy—try these 10 meaningful activities to help your family spread Christ's love to those around them:
1. Create Care Packages
Put together small care packages filled with essentials and little treats for those in need. Consider donating to homeless shelters, military personnel, women’s shelters, or a friend who could use an extra dose of love. Research your local organizations to discover which specific items would be most helpful. Add in a homemade card!
2. Sing Valentine's Carols
Who says carols are just for Christmas? Gather some friends or classmates to visit a local nursing home to spread joy through song. Choose a mix of Christian hymns and classic love songs to uplift residents. Here are a few ideas: 'Jesus Loves Me', ‘Once Upon a Dream’ from Sleeping Beauty, ‘Silly Love Songs’ by Paul McCartney, and 'Love Is an Open Door' from Frozen.
3. Make Homemade Cards
Children of all ages can create homemade cards for grandparents, neighbors, or friends who could use encouragement. With just a few supplies like paper, markers, crayons, and envelopes, you can send a heartfelt message to remind someone how deeply they are loved. Consider adding Zephaniah 3:17 for an extra touch of encouragement: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
4. Make a Love Chain
Create a paper chain as a family, writing something you love about each family member on individual links. Keep your messages secret until Valentine's Day, then take down the chain at dinner and read them aloud as you hand them to their recipients. Consider making this a family tradition and keep your messages in a jar.
5. Donate Books or Toys
Encourage your children to select gently used books or toys to donate to a local charity or children's hospital. Another option is to have your kids earn money through small chores and use their earnings to buy a brand-new toy or book for a child in need. Create a joy of giving.
6. Bake Treats to Share
Spend time in the kitchen baking cookies, muffins, or another favorite treat to share with others. Deliver them to first responders, elderly neighbors, a new mom, or teachers who could use a little extra love.
7. Make Kindness Notes
Tell your kids you're going to be a 'Secret Encouragement Ninja’ and leave handwritten notes with uplifting messages or Bible verses around town. These could be placed at the library, doctor's office, grocery store, or simply handed to someone who seems like they need a reminder of God's love. Sometimes just a few words of encouragement can turn around someone’s day.
8. Paint Kindness Rocks
Similar to the kindness notes, paint rocks with uplifting messages and leave them in public places for others to find. Use bright colors and add simple phrases like 'You are loved,' 'God cares for you,' or 'Jesus is with you’ to brighten their day.
9. Make a Meal Together
Let your children help plan, cook, and package a homemade meal for someone in need. Consider a neighbor, a new mom, or a friend going through a difficult time. Deliver it along with a handwritten note of encouragement.
10. Create a 'You Are Loved' Jar
Choose a family to surprise with a 'You Are Loved' jar filled with handwritten notes and Bible verses. Each note should be addressed to a specific family member and contain words of encouragement, prayers, or reminders of God’s love.
Let's pray:
Jesus, thank you that Valentine's Day serves as the perfect opportunity for us to show your love in gentle, creative ways. May we take full advantage of this opportunity to reach others for you. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Polina Lebed
Related Resource: Anxiety: Practical Steps for Healing in Christ
Anxiety is debilitating and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and defeated. But what if there were practical steps and biblical truths that could lessen the load and aid us in our freedom journeys with mental health struggles? Pastor and Licensed Professional Counselor Susan Thomas joins me to discuss this today! Like what you hear? Subscribe to Bought + Beloved with Kirby Kelly on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Wednesday, 12 February 2025.
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