The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51: 17

Apparently Valentine’s Day can be pretty confusing. That’s what Reuters News Service reported last week.

For example, eight million Americans admit to sending themselves Valentine gifts. So, if the person in your office has five dozen roses, it may not be from a known or unknown admirer. They just may not want to feel lonely or unloved on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day can be confusing. According to a recent phone survey there is a big difference between what people want as a gift for Valentine’s Day and what they’re probably going to get.

For example, twenty-two percent of the men polled said they were going to give their wives or girlfriends lingerie as a Valentine’s Day gift. Lingerie was their top choice. Only two percent of the women said lingerie was a gift they would appreciate.

On the other hand, if you think diamonds are a girl’s best friend, you may not be wrong. Jewelry was the top gift choice when the ladies were asked. When the men had their turn of rating gift ideas, jewelry ranked no higher than fifth place.

Valentine’s Day can be confusing. For example, the survey says many practical (or cheap) men readily agree when their lady suggests she “really doesn’t want a gift this year”, or “we don’t have to exchange gifts this year for Valentine’s Day”. Those lines are nothing more than that—lines. Because Valentine’s Day is so confusing many relationships have a tough time surviving the day. The survey suggested that three million couples have broken up on Valentine’s Day.

This leads me to ask, “What will you give God for Valentine’s Day?” We already know what He has given us—His Son. We see the Father’s love in Jesus’ birth, His life, His suffering, death, and resurrection. Because of Jesus we have been given forgiveness and life eternal. Now the question is, “What shall we give God?”

It’s not an easy question, is it? How do you find a present to give Someone who already owns everything? Thankfully we don’t have to rack our brains for an answer. In the text at the beginning of our devotion, God says what He wants: a broken and a contrite heart. God wants our repentant, trusting hearts for Valentine’s Day, and for everyday.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, we have seen true love in the gift of Your Son’s sacrifice. He may not have been what the world wanted, but Jesus is definitely what we need. In awe and admiration of His gift may we give You the present You most desire: our broken and believing hearts. In the Savior’s Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 19-20    Matthew 27:27-50

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