By Dr. Anne Davis

“Love Makes the World go Round” is a popular song written for the 1961 musical, Carnival. I highly recommend you click on the button below to listen to this beloved song on YouTube as you think of a person you wish to honor on Valentine’s Day.

Click here to listen to “Love makes the World Go ‘Round” on YouTube

The first verse is introductory with repetition, but the second verse is filled with wisdom that few have appreciated. Feel the rhythm as you read it.

High in some silent sky
Love sings a silver song
Making the earth
Whirl softly
Love makes the world go ‘round

If love is “high in some silent sky”, then it is a mystical essence that exists apart from our physical world. Furthermore, because it is in the sky, it is heavenly with spiritual and magical qualities.

Now we must confront what the world has done to this godly creation. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary reflects the secular understanding with three related meanings.

1. A feeling of strong or constant affection for a person.
    
2. Attraction that includes sexual desire: the strong affection felt by people who have a romantic relationship.
    
3. A person you love in a romantic way.

Is this your understanding of love? If so, all three meanings fly in the face of what God has communicated to us. Let’s continue to consider the words of the song, which capture the true meaning of love.

“Love sings a silver song”. Sterling silver is a highly valued mineral used in expensive jewelry. Whatever true love is, it is prized and priceless.

“Making the earth whirl softly” stimulates our senses in a dramatic way. Can you feel a warm gentle breeze that caresses your face with a whisper? Love stimulates that warm, gentle effect.

But what is true love according to God? One thing it is NOT. It is not a feeling. Does that surprise you?

The most moving description of love in the Holy Writings is God’s love for us. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Stop for a moment and reflect on the meaning of this extraordinary gift of eternal life, which unfortunately we tend to take for granted. Then consider the gift of the death and resurrection of His son that God has given us.

When death by crucifixion was drawing near, we learn that “being in agony Jesus was praying fervently and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground” (Luke 22:44). I can imagine Yeshua being willing to give up his life in this appallingly painful way because it would not last forever; death would be a blessing. However, a parent giving over his child to this torture and death is simply beyond my imagination.

What, then, is biblical love? It is an expression of a deep commitment by giving something precious to the person you love.

On Valentine’s Day the tradition is to give candy or flowers or perhaps a Valentine’s Day card. But are any of these truly precious? Stop now and think of a person to whom you wish to express your commitment of loyalty, which is an important aspect of biblical love. What is a gift that would take this person completely by surprise? That is what your gift must be on Valentine’s Day. It does not need to be expensive but deeply thoughtful and considerate. It does not need to be a material gift, although that is an option. The purpose is to surprise the person with something kind and considerate.

May God guide you to express your love to a special person on Valentine’s Day and on all the days that will follow.

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