Have a Heart

Valentines of every size and description adorn store windows and other places of business this time of year. The holiday has become a time for love to be enthroned as a virtue, with the heart symbolizing the romance of our lives.

But the heart symbolizes not only love, but life itself! Without a heart, our bodies cannot survive.

Consider God’s words to Samuel: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NRSV).

The heart — that inner countenance — shows what we really are.  Samuel was to seek one of the sons of Jesse to be the new king.  David, even though he was the weakest physical specimen, was the one selected.  His heart was great.

Love looks deeper than outward appearances, and we can thank God for that.  Don’t be swayed by mere valentines — have a heart!