The Greatest Love of All

February, 2003

by: Dave Hintz

On February 14 long–stemmed roses will grace fingertips, chocolate candies will be nibbled, and Hallmark Card shops will be burgeoning as millions of Americans pay tribute to St. Valentine. With all of these festivities, it makes sense to ponder the significance of this celebration of love. In popular culture, love has been defined as everything from “never having to say you're sorry” to a “second–hand emotion.” But my favorite definition comes from theologian and diva, Whitney Houston. Consider the soulsearching lyrics from the ever–popular “Greatest Love of All”:

Because the greatest love of all is happening to me

I've found the greatest love of all inside of me

The greatest love of all is easy to achieve

Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all

According to this performer, the Greatest Love of All is not the affection of a mother for her child, nor a husband for his wife, but Whitney's love for Whitney. Such a notion flies in the face of the self–giving, sacrificial love mandated in the Bible. In Ephesians 5:25 Paul exhorts, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” In 1 Corinthians 13:5 the great Apostle to the gentiles clarifies that love “does not seek its own.” Jesus Himself comments in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends,” an action which Jesus fulfilled as He hung on that old rugged cross. Love does not consist in a fluttering heart, cuddling by the firelight, or repeated affirmations of affection. Love hurts; in fact, love kills, as true love can only be found in the mortification of self. The incessant denial of self is the critical component of love. This Valentine's Day, when you tell that special someone that you love him or her, ask yourself if you really mean it. Would you be willing to sacrifice watching a football game to spend time with her? Would you be willing to let him pick which movie to watch? Would you be willing to take a turn doing her chores? If not, don't tell him “I love you”, but rather walk into the bathroom, look into the mirror, and behold your true valentine.