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Valentine’s Day often brings a swirl of emotions, especially for widows. Traditionally associated with love and romance, the holiday is a poignant reminder of our loss. The sight of store aisles filled with red and pink cards, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, and plush animals can feel overwhelming, highlighting the absence of our beloved spouse.

Love Shared, Loss Felt

For many of us, memories of Valentine’s Day echo in our hearts. Perhaps you recall a special card or a flower bouquet from your husband. My memory takes me back to Valentine’s Day 2016, when my husband, in the throes of his cancer journey, arranged for a bouquet of roses and a card to be waiting for me at work. Despite his pain and struggles, he found a way to celebrate our love. Such moments remind us of the depth of love shared, even as they underscore the loss we now feel.

But today, I want to encourage you to shift your focus from dwelling solely on what has been lost and turn your heart toward the incredible love we’ve been given by God.

A Love Letter from God’s Word

If we were to imagine God writing a personal love letter to us, woven from the promises in His Word, it might sound something like this:

My Beloved Child,

I want you to know how deeply and unconditionally I love you; it is an everlasting love. My heart delights in you, and I am always near, especially in your times of sorrow. I delight in you and rejoice over you with singing. (Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 34:18, Zephaniah 3:17)

My love for you is so great that I gave the ultimate gift of my one and only Son so you might live through him and find life, joy, and unshakeable peace. (1 John 4:9-10).

I promise to go with you through every valley and mountain; you will never be alone. Be strong and courageous and trust that I have a beautiful plan for your life, one filled with hope and promise. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11).

Even when the world around you trembles, My love for you remains steadfast and will not be shaken. (Isaiah 54:10).

When you feel lost or uncertain, turn to My Word. It will guide you, comfort you, and remind you of My promises. (Psalm 119:105)

Know that I see you, I hear you, and I treasure you. Remember my faithfulness to you always. (Psalm 86:15).

So, rest in my arms, my precious one. You are never forgotten, never forsaken. My covenant of peace will never be removed, and my love for you endures forever.

With eternal love,
Your Heavenly Father

*all scripture are NIV

God’s Enduring Promise of Love

Throughout Scripture, our Heavenly Father expresses His unwavering love for us in the most beautiful and enduring love letter ever written: the Word of God. This Valentine’s Day, take time to open His Word and allow His promises to speak directly to your heart. Let Him remind you that you are cherished, never alone, and deeply loved. As you read, listen for His voice assuring you of His constant presence and tender care. In His Word, you’ll find the strength, comfort, and hope that only His love can provide.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:11 (NIV)

Valentine’s Day also provides an opportunity for us to show our love to others.

A few years after my husband’s passing, I felt led by the Spirit to encourage widows on Valentine’s Day. I called friends who had recently lost their husbands to let them know I understood how hard the day can be.

The Joy of Encouraging Others

Though my heart ached from the loss of my husband, reaching out to wish my widow friends a Happy Valentine’s Day brought an unexpected shift. What began as an act of kindness turned into a source of healing for me. In pouring love into others, I found my own sorrow lifting, replaced by a profound joy that came from focusing on their hearts instead of my own pain.

Sharing God’s Love Because He First Loved Us!

Take a moment to reflect on how you can share love and encouragement with others this Valentine’s Day season. Ask God to place someone on your heart who might need a reminder of His love. It could be a family member, a friend, or someone in your church who has inspired or shown kindness to you. Whether it’s through a card, a phone call, or a thoughtful gesture, use this opportunity to reflect God’s love and let them know how much they mean to you. Your words don’t need to be poetic or elaborate—they just need to be sincere.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unfailing love that comforts and sustains us. On this Valentine’s Day and everyday, fill our hearts with Your peace and remind us that we are loved and never alone. Help us to rest in Your promises and share Your love with others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.