February is the month of love, or at least that’s what the greeting card companies tell me. The ads I see seem to say that we must show our love by purchasing flowers, candy, jewelry, and of course, Valentine’s Day cards. “Be Mine” and “Yours Always” are one liners strewn across the Valentine aisle at my local store.

Love, it seems, is easier to talk about than to actually do.

My friends and I joked recently that we love our children deeply, yet sometimes, it’s hard to like them. I think we all can relate to experiencing frustrating situations with family members, negatively effecting our view of them. The fact is, it’s often easier to have positive affection and thoughts for loved ones when they do what we expect of them. What about when they aren’t doing what we want? That’s where the rubber meets the road.

Jesus said that even those who are evil love those who love them back.

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-36

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I remember well those shoe boxes turned mail holders. We decorated them with red and pink papers, making sure our name was clearly labeled on the outside. It was the popular kids who always seemed to get the most cards. I still remember noticing how few were given to the outcasts of the class.

These days, teachers have students bring in cards for each person in the class, ensuring no one is left out. My son’s preschool class is having a party soon. I head to the store and browse the Valentine’s Day aisle. I look at all the cute gifts splattered with hearts. I read the sayings of love stamped onto sour heart candies and lollipops. The selection of cards with favorite television and movie characters on them is abundant, making it hard to choose.

I think about the people who probably have no one to whom they will give or receive a card. For many, holidays like this only remind them of times they have been hurt by love. I wonder how many walk by the card aisle and flinch as old wounds open up fresh. I consider those who have never even had words of love spoken to them, much less received a card.

Love, as defined and lived out in our world, often leaves hearts empty.

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