The Ultimate Valentine

by Sarah Parker
 
In his book The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis explores the different types of love we experience as humans, each of which is demonstrated in the Bible:

• Storge (Affection): The natural, familial love shared between a parent and child.

• Philia (Friendship): The love that grows between close friends.

• Eros (Romantic Love): A deep physical and emotional connection.

• Agape (Charity): Unconditional, selfless love.

We often associate God’s love with Agape —unconditional and selfless — or Storge, the fatherly love of a parent, or even Philia, knowing God as a friend, and these are all true. The Bible doesn’t use the Greek word ‘eros’ for God’s love, however it does depict, a strong, passionate, pursuing and deep love that God has for us.

I still remember the first time I came across the Song of Songs in the Bible. I was a teenager in youth group, and honestly, it felt awkward. We giggled over the poetic descriptions of love between the man and his beloved. At the time, it seemed like such a strange way to think about love—let alone God’s love.

But as my relationship with God deepened, my perspective changed.  The romance in the Song of Songs isn’t some modern fairy tale or fantasy; it’s a reflection of God’s passionate desire for us. This book reveals the joy and beauty of deep and passionate love, which mirrors the profound love we experience as the Bride of Christ.

"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame." (Song of Songs 8:6)

One of my favourite verses is from Zephaniah:

"The Lord your God is with you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will delight in you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

That verse was taped to my bedroom wall, and it helped me see God as the warrior who would fight for my heart. He pursued me, giving everything—even His own Son—so that I would belong to Him.

The Bible is filled with descriptions of us as God’s Beloved, His Bride:

"As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5)

One of my favourite moments at a wedding is watching the groom’s face as the bride begins to walk down the aisle. There’s so much love, wonder, and joy in that moment. That’s how God looks at us.

He loves us as a Father, as a Friend, and with an unconditional, selfless Agape love, but He also loves us as His Beloved. He is jealous for us, longing to draw us close, to consume our hearts, and to be one with us. He is our first love, and His deepest longing is for us to be with Him.

Unlike human romance, God’s intimate, divine love is unshakable. It cannot be bought, traded, earned, or lost. It will never falter, break, or fade. His love is overwhelming, boundless, freely given, and utterly unrestrained—a love unlike any other.

One of my favourite worship songs is Pieces by Bethel Music. I encourage you to take some time to listen to it and let the truth of God’s love for you sink into your heart.

Share the love

We all like to know that we are loved and appreciated don’t we? Whether that is through word, action or gift there is nothing more wonderful than feeling loved by someone else and being reminded of what they love about you!

There are so many ways that we can show love and appreciation for someone, both big and small but this month I would love you to think about how you can put into words that love. For example, when I was at university I LOVED going to check my cubby hole where my post would get delivered, because I LOVE receiving fun post. Sadly, most of the time there wouldn’t be anything but I would still diligently check... until one day, Josh had sent me a letter in the post (despite the fact that we lived mere doors away from each other!) because he knew that I loved receiving post and especially post containing wonderful words written especially for me.

In more recent days, whilst making the girls packed lunches for school we try to put a little note in each day for them to discover and read and they love waiting to see what we have written. We try to write something encouraging about them and also a little question, like ‘what is one thing you love about yourself?’ or ‘what was the best thing you learnt today?’ and they gleefully tell us their answer when they get home.

Is there someone, that you and each of your family members could send a little note of love to? Perhaps there is someone that needs reminding of God’s love for them in their lives, or someone who hasn’t yet met Jesus that might need a little word of encouragement. Can we hold up a mirror to someone we love so that they can see some of the loveable parts of them?

Take some time to write a message to a friend, family member or neighbour. Big or small. It doesn’t matter, but really think about what you will say and ask God to bless them as they receive your note.

Get to know: The Morse Family

Hi, we’re the Morses! We arrived in Hastings in January 2024 having lived for 14 years in South East Wales. We found our way to Hastings after some of Ness’s family moved to this part of the world in recent years and joined HTH Church. We moved into our house near Alexandra Park in September and now it’s feeling like home.

Roxanne is 9 and loves to exercise to use up her large amount of energy! She is most excited about having her own bedroom these days, and enjoys rollerskating in the park and sometimes walking to school.

Zoe started secondary school in September. She LOVES reading, going to youth and trying to get our pet budgies, Lucky and Frankie, to sit in her hand. Keep trying Zo!

Owen and Ness are somewhere in their 40s and now the they’ve got through a massive year of change they are starting to get involved in some of the fun and creative stuff Hastings is full of. Owen is a teacher at Ark Alexandra and Ness runs Spear at HTH Church.

Come and say hi if you see us!