Valentine’s Day is often filled with heart-shaped chocolates, flowers, and sweet messages, but as Christian parents, we know that love goes much deeper than these expressions. True love, the kind that transforms lives and strengthens families, is rooted in God’s love for us. As we celebrate love this month, let’s take a moment to reflect on what it truly means and how we can model it for our preteens.
In today’s world, love is often portrayed as a feeling—something fleeting that comes and goes. However, the Bible paints a different picture. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we find the perfect definition of love: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. This passage reminds us that love is an action—something we choose to do daily. It’s patient and kind, even when our children test our limits. It doesn’t envy or boast, teaching our kids humility. It always protects and perseveres, guiding our families through life’s ups and downs.
When we teach our preteens about love, we must shift their perspective from the world’s definition to God’s definition. Love isn’t just about warm feelings—it’s about commitment, sacrifice, and reflecting Christ in all we do. As parents, our children learn about love primarily from us. The way we treat our spouse, interact with our children, and respond to others sets a powerful example. When we model patience, kindness, and forgiveness in our daily lives, we teach our children what godly love looks like. The more we demonstrate godly love in our homes, the more naturally it will become a part of our children’s lives.
A great way to put this into practice is through intentional family activities that emphasize love in action. This Valentine’s season, why not take on a Love in Action Challenge as a family? Encourage your preteens to actively show love in meaningful ways throughout the week. One day, they could speak kind and uplifting words to each family member. Another day, they could serve someone secretly, doing something kind without expecting recognition. Writing a personal letter to Jesus, expressing gratitude for His love, is another powerful way to reflect on what love truly means. Ending the week with a Family Gratitude Night, where each family member shares how they have seen love in action, reinforces the lesson.
Instead of focusing on material gifts, we can use this season to instill faith-based traditions that reflect God’s love. Making Valentine’s cards with Bible verses, writing letters of appreciation to family members, or having a Bible study on love can help shift the focus from worldly romance to deeper, lasting love. At the heart of Valentine’s Day is a love far greater than any human affection—the love of God. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. No matter what we face in life, God’s love is unwavering. Teaching our children this truth reassures them that they are deeply loved—not just by us, but by their Heavenly Father.
Love is more than a Valentine’s Day celebration; it is a way of life. As we reflect on God’s definition of love, let’s commit to demonstrating it within our homes. Through small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and faith-filled conversations, we can help our children understand and live out godly love. This Valentine’s season, let’s share the love—not just with words but with our actions. Let’s model the love of Christ, teaching our preteens that true love is patient, kind, and selfless. May our homes be filled with the love of God today and always!
