Love Unto Others: Showing Love to Those Around You This Valentine’s Day
It is hard to believe we are halfway through January! Schedules and routines are back in full force, and Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Which also means that Valentine’s Day theme night may have snuck up on you.
There are so many verses in the Bible about the “heart” of Valentine’s Day: L-O-V-E. It is safe to say the most well-known and (one of the) best Bible verses on love is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” While gift giving, cards, and all of the other Hallmark-holiday essentials flood the marketplace, it is most important to remember God’s love for us. Here are a few theme night suggestions to help you show the love of Christ to your club attendees and teach them how to share His love with others.
Crazy Hearts Night
Encourage kids and leaders to dress in heart clothing if they have it, or pin paper hearts on their clothing. Another idea is for everyone to wear red, pink, or white. During breakout time, ask the students to share something they love or are thankful for in their life.
John 3:16 Valentine Craft
There exists an overabundance of Valentine’s craft ideas in the world! One of our favorites is the “For God So Loved the World” activity with reference to John 3:16. This fun craft allows kids to memorize Scripture while creating art.
Give Your Heart Night
Notes, cards of encouragement, and small gifts are great ways to show appreciation to others. Give a gift from the Awana online store to your volunteers, leaders, parents, teachers, and kids as a lasting reminder of how much you love and appreciate them.
Outreach Opportunities
Valentine’s Day is also a great reminder to love on those who are often “out of sight, out of mind.” Oftentimes we fail to “love your neighbor as yourself” as the Bible says in Mark 12:31. This is a great opportunity to participate in an outreach in your local community. One idea is to have your students create Valentine’s Day cards and deliver them to senior citizen or assisted living homes. A little message or card could really brighten someone’s day.
With February being National Canned Food Month, another outreach opportunity is for your students to bring in a few canned food items they love. Then, take the food to a local food pantry in your area to help provide a meal to those in need. (Bonus! Check in with your local food pantry in advance to find out what they need).
Encouragement Cards
Write a note of encouragement or prayer to friends, or to someone in need of a friend. Add an extra special touch by mailing the card to their homes. Who doesn’t love receiving snail-mail that isn’t a bill?
God shows us the greatest love of all by going deeper than we ask. He not only wants your whole heart, He wants your heart whole. Take this encouragement from Deuteronomy 6:5. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
Make this Valentine’s Day the best ever by giving God the extravagant gift of your whole heart!
Sarah Dudt is the director of marketing at Awana. Sarah has a background in Christian entertainment and ministries. Her passion for reaching and making disciples of Christ through creative outlets has impacted multiple generations across various avenues. Sarah is especially passionate about learning and making the most of every opportunity.
