Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) is a holiday celebrated throughout much of the world to express love and affection, not just between romantic partners but also with family and friends. Romantic love, however, has been its primary focus.  

Throughout history, songs have been created and lyrics crafted to capture the heart of romantic love. One such song, Endless Love, sung by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, was a No. 1 1981 hit and remains popular today. Its lyrics speak of an intimate, committed romantic love: 

There's only you in my life … 

Two hearts that beat as one … 

I’ve found in you my endless love. 

As humans we are hard-wired with the need and desire to both give and receive romantic love. This aspect of love fosters and reflects the commitment and intimacy we were created to enjoy. 

The Bible is filled with the language and imagery of love, including romantic love. Through its teachings we are encouraged to fully embrace and enjoy romantic love, especially within the context of a committed marriage relationship: 

Song of Solomon 1:2 (NIV) “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth — for your love is more delightful than wine.” 

Proverbs 5:18b, 19c (NIV) — “… may you rejoice in the wife of your youth … may you ever be intoxicated with her love.” 

Does God’s love have a romantic aspect? Does He express a romantic love toward us? I believe He does for two main reasons. 

First, the Bible says that we are created in His image, and this includes our capacity to love. 

Genesis 1:27 (NIV) — “So, God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” 

1 John 4:19 (NIV) — “We love because He first loved us.” 

Second, the Bible describes or portrays God’s love in many ways including the characteristics of intentionality, passion, faithfulness, and endurance. In fact, one of the chief metaphors used in the Bible to describe God’s relationship with His people is that of a husband and a bride.  

Hosea 2:14 (NIV) — “Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.” 

2 Corinthians 11:2 (NIV) — “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.” 

So, on this Valentine’s Day, how will you express romantic love to the love of your life and how will you respond to the endless romantic love from the Lover of your soul?  

Jim Kubiak serves as a pastor-at-large in Bonner County. He can be reached at JimKubiak7@gmail.com.