What better way to start Valentine’s day than looking at the first problem addressed in the book of 1 Corinthians. Divisions happen in all arenas of life. I have noticed that divisions are quelled when people are working hard and striving towards a common goal. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is very encouraging to me. It addresses problem after problem, and that in itself is encouraging. The book addresses a typical church filled with sinful people and operates with the assumption that the Gospel is sufficient to transform this messed up church into a healthy church. The gathering of sinful people is designed to create a bride that is ready for the grooms return. Getting together with people in the body of Christ is designed to produce in each of us sanctification.

Valentine’s day is a celebration of that glorious gift of romantic love. There can be potential for a conflict in the marriage, but as we see the Gospel addressing the problems in a church, we also know it addresses the struggles in the marriage. On this Valentine’s day be encouraged that God is preparing His bride for His coming, and He is working in your marriage to make you both more like Him.