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. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Valentine’s Day is often celebrated as a day of love, and what better way to honor this special occasion than by spending quality time with your loved ones? Here are some delightful and meaningful activities you can enjoy together on Valentine’s Day, rooted in the teachings of the Bible.
Love Letters to God
Gather and spend time writing love letters to God, expressing gratitude for His love, grace, and blessings in your lives. Encourage each person to include Bible verses that speak to their hearts. Reflect on passages such as 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us,” and Psalm 136:26, “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” You can save their letters to make a booklet and each year, add letters and read over letters that were written in the past.
- Tip: Parents, write letters from Jesus to your children using His words from the Bible, such as “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” This will help connect children’s hearts and minds to Christ.
Valentine’s Worship Night
Organize a special worship night where you can sing hymns, pray together, and share testimonies of God’s love and faithfulness. Reflect on how you can apply these principles daily within your family, ministry, school, and life.
- Tip: Consider discussing passages like 1 Corinthians 13, which beautifully illustrates the characteristics of love.
Scripture Scavenger Hunt
Plan a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around your home or church, each leading to a Bible verse about love or other Christian principle. As you find each verse, take a moment to read it aloud and discuss its meaning. This activity can be both educational and enjoyable for participants of all ages.
- Tip: You can use the International Children’s Bible for short, easy verses.
Bake and Share God’s Love
Spend time together in the kitchen baking Valentine’s Day-shaped treats like cupcakes or cookies. As you bake, discuss how God’s love is like the ingredients that come together to create something sweet and delightful.
- Tip: Consider sharing your baked goods with friends and neighbors. Also, share them with firefighters or policemen as an expression of God’s love. This will help your children learn to respect and appreciate those in authority.
Acts of Kindness Challenge
Challenge your family or ministry group to perform acts of kindness throughout the week (or day), both to each other and others in your community. This could include writing encouraging notes, helping with household chores, or volunteering at a local charity. Emphasize the importance of showing God’s love through our actions, inspired by verses like Galatians 5:13, “Serve one another humbly in love.”
- Tip: If you are shopping and getting a BOGO-free deal, use the free item to make a care package and gift or donate to someone.
Valentine’s Day Placemats
Encourage children to decorate sheets of construction paper or cardstock with Valentine’s Day-themed drawings, hearts, and designs using markers, crayons, glitter, or stickers. They can include Bible verses about love or kindness. For little ones, you can print out the Bible verses and help glue them onto their placemats. Then, laminate the placemats to use at mealtime!
- Tip: Encourage children to share their thoughts on why they picked specific verses and what those verses mean to them.
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating the love that God has for us and sharing that love with others. And, love is not confined to a single day, it’s a lifelong journey rooted in Christ. Encourage others to continue spreading God’s love beyond Valentine’s Day by practicing acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion daily. Let’s all work together to raise strong, loving, Christian kids.
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