Valentine’s Day Love Letter

by Elrene van Staden

“Love me at my worst, and I promise you, I’ll always strive to be my best.”

We tend to hide our worst from people - sometimes even from our loved ones, and sometimes from ourselves. In trying to believe that we are good, we often blind ourselves to our own harmful behaviours and habits. In doing so, we hide from God, just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden when they felt ashamed.

Now, why bring this up in a love letter? Isn’t Valentine’s Day about being flattered and showered with gifts by those we love? Surely there is no need to reflect on the worst versions of ourselves on a day like today?

Repentance does not smell like roses, and discernment does not taste like chocolate. Yet, in light of this, let me remind you of a verse in Corinthians - the book of love: For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. - 2 Corinthians 7:10

Where does recovery ministry, like AA, begin? With our best? No. It begins with our worst - admittance. We admit that we are powerless, that our lives are unmanageable, and that our current strategies are not working.

What are the pathways that have led so many people to sobriety and a restored quality of life? It begins in despair. It begins in the ash heap - which is, in fact, an excellent place to start.

This is where our relationship with God begins: with honesty and transparency. Admitting that we need Him. When we are finally done pretending that we have it all together and instead surrender to Him - this is where we remember our first love. The One who has never, and will never, leave us nor forsake us - not even when we are at our worst.

When we truly understand and receive this love - real love - we become able to extend it to others.

God sees everything (Proverbs 5:21): our charitable deeds in the light and our hidden shame in the dark. And in all of it, He says: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. - Jeremiah 31:3

He waits patiently for us to come to Him so that He may heal our wounds and free us from every yoke of bondage - so that we may become the best versions of ourselves. He has already paid the price for our sins over 2,000 years ago on the cross at Calvary. There is nothing we can do or say that will shock Him. There is nothing new under the sun - He has seen it all.

He will never shame us for our mistakes or turn us away. In fact, in our weakness (our worst), He becomes our strength (our best).

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. - Romans 8:38–39

A love letter from God to you:

I am patient and kind.

I am not envious, I am not boastful, I am not proud.

I will never dishonour you.

I am not self-seeking.

I am not easily angered, and I keep no record of wrongs.

I do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth.

I will always protect you.

Trust Me. Place your hope in Me, for My love is everlasting.

(1 Corinthians 13:4–7)

Happy Valentine’s Day 💗

May this love letter remind you of your first love - the greatest love of all: the perfect and everlasting love of God. It is my prayer that you will be a light in a dark world, reflecting His love to everyone you encounter.

God bless you.