A Valentine’s Day Thought

My brother-in-law used to call the movie theatre “the world’s church,” and I agree. When you think about it, a lot of people get their philosophy on life from the latest film.  

Remember “Love Story” with Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal? A line from that movie became the philosophy of millions of people. As McGraw’s character was dying and O’Neal’s character tried to ask forgiveness from her, she replied, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”  

The fact is nothing could be farther from the truth! True love compels the humble soul to repent of wrongdoing and seek forgiveness for the act that brought pain to the one loved. It is arrogant and unloving to remain silent in the face of the angst one sees on the face of a loved one who has been hurt by harsh words or actions.  

Scripture says that if you know someone has an issue with you, reconciliation is to be sought through naming the offense and asking and granting forgiveness. Then and only then can people move forward in peace. 

Men, as we remember Valentine’s Day and plan something romantic for our spouse or significant other, let’s make sure that there is nothing casting a cloud over our relationship. Better yet, let’s treat the love of our life with respect, honor and affection all year long. Then Valentine’s Day will be the culmination of many days of meaningful acts of love instead of feeble attempts to placate a hurting heart with flowers and fancy chocolates. 

Love not only means “saying you’re sorry” but also demonstrating true humility and repentance through a changed life, followed by four all too often forgotten words – “Will you forgive me?” Put them together and you create a bond that will weather the stormiest of circumstances.  

As Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, once said, “A good marriage is the union of two good forgivers.”