Bible Study
New / Special
Jesus
Maturity
Encouragement
Good News
Church
Communion
Prayer
Christian Symbols
Scholarly Articles
Miscellany
Way of the Cross
Holidays
Christmas
Easter
Thanksgiving
Pentecost
St. Patrick's Day
New Year's Day
Steps to Peace with God
Year of St. Paul
About Us
Speaking
Contact Us
Dr. Wilson's Books
Donations
Watercolors
Site Map
Christian Articles Archive
Achin', Breakin' Valentine
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
The mechanic's girlfriend, her belly swollen with a baby a
few weeks away from birth, sits the car waiting for him to finish
up with me, his last customer, and take her home. Just then an
attractive young woman drives up and the mechanic walks over to
her.
Smiling, she hands him a red envelope, obviously a Valentine. Who is she? I wonder. A neighbor? A good friend? She obviously has affection for him. The mechanic comes back and mutters to me, "My girlfriend is looking daggers at her. That was my ex-wife."
She still loves him. I can see that.
I think of another Lover bringing a message to one estranged. This Valentine isn't written with pen and paper but with lacerated flesh and oozing blood. The inscription on the outside reads, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
"Thanks," we mumble embarrassedly, as we glance over to see if our "ex" has spotted our current distraction close at hand. "That was real nice of you," we say.
We read the words inside: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." It is love that wrote the Valentine. Pained but giving love. Forgiving love. Love filled with hurt, but love nevertheless.
I watch the young woman drive off, still smiling. But behind her smile, I'm sure, is a lump in her throat. I wonder if she'll give him another card next Valentine's Day. I wouldn't bet against it.
Copyright © 2023, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor
joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
 |
|
In-depth Bible study books
You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format.
- 28 Advent Scriptures
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter & Jude
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Apostle Paul
- Abraham, Faith of
- Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
- Christmas Incarnation
- Colossians and Philemon
- Conquering Lamb of Revelation
- Daniel
- David, Life of
- Early Church: Acts 1-12
- Elijah
- Ephesians
- Galatians
- Gideon
- Glorious Kingdom, The
- Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
- Great Prayers of the Bible
- Hebrews
- Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
- Isaiah
- Jacob, Life of
- James
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
- John's Gospel
- Joshua
- Lamb of God
- Listening for God's Voice
- Lord's Supper
- Luke's Gospel
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Names and Titles of God
- Names and Titles of Jesus
- Philippians
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Sermon on the Mount
- Psalms
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Songs of Ascent (Ps 120-134)
- Revelation
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.
 |
 |
 |
To be notified about future articles, stories, and Bible studies, why don't you subscribe to our free newsletter, The Joyful Heart, by placing your e-mail address in the box below. We respect your