Can I be honest? Most modern Valentine’s Day movies are garbage. The storylines are engulfed in sins of all kinds, which only waters down the plots. In the credits, nothing inspired you to do more or be more. Rather, you wonder, “Wait, who was the protagonist again?”
Shakespeare’s five-point plot structure is contaminated by selfish sex and a false idea of love. Indeed, none of us, other than Christ, have mastered love, but today’s entertainment industry has no standard for the sacred word outside of what seems fleetingly good. Forget responsibility for others and personal character.
Two different messages
If you are single and don’t know Christ, Hollywood and the secular music industry often try and succeed in distorting your idea of what you should be looking for in romance. Meanwhile, for the believer who is actively listening to the voice of the Spirit, today’s Valentine’s Day culture poses a major hindrance. He is an intentional tyrant, hoping that you will think that Christ’s best for you is just a figment of your religious imagination. He wants you to give in, to settle down, to wallow, to fall with his twisted idea of romance.
But hear me out because I was a woman who was one of the last in her group of girlfriends to reunite with her man, a woman who was so tired of being a bridesmaid that she almost ran away (wouldn’t that have broken her mother’s heart). Listen to me: the right kind of love, the kind that Jesus created, the kind that stays and sacrifices and fights for you, is out there. And it certainly doesn’t appear anywhere in today’s Valentine’s Day chick flicks. It’s not in today’s pop and rap songs, which elevate the sex industry and hookup culture with stilts made of sand.
I beg you to hold on. Please. Continue to listen to Spirit and remain true to your convictions. Fight the good fight and find the love that lasts for eternity – and along the way, don’t become bitter with the sweetness of a wholesome Valentine’s Day.
As Isaiah 34:15-17 (BSB) says: “There the owl will make its nest; it will lay and hatch its eggs and gather its brood under its shade. Even there the birds of prey will gather together, each with its mate. Seek and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of them shall perish, nor shall none lack his mate, because he has ordained it by his mouth, and he will gather them together by his Spirit. He has allotted their portion; his hand has her distributed in measure. They will possess it forever; they will possess it from generation to generation.
Whether February 14th still gives you romantic hope or left you a little salty, I have a combined list of ten songs and movies to offer inspiration and encouragement to your heart:
1. A night with the king
This early 2000s film is a hopeless romantic’s dream. This is the dramatization of Esther, delving into what it must have been like to be presented before the king, chosen as his bride, and then called to God to defend his people.
Sure, there’s a lot of creative freedom, but it’s an endearing, clean film that stays true to Scripture and reminds each of us that while romance, even royal romance, is sweet, our destiny in Christ is far richer.
2. Be my vision
This beloved Christian hymn (most likely an original Irish poem from the 6th century) is a lyrical powerhouse, as the words speak of our identity rooted in our “great Father.” We are considered his “true son[s]» and girls simply because He delights in guarding our hearts, guiding us from this life into eternity with Him.
The last two lines of the first verse are stuck in the back of my mind, brought to the forefront when I lose sight of who I am or what my true purpose is, outside of the messages this world throws at me. The lines read:
“You are my best thought, day and night
Awake or asleep, your presence my light.
3. The Nativity
Technically, it’s a Christmas movie, but for all of you looking for “Aww” moments of slow-burn romance, it’s a winner.
Interpretation of the film Luke 2 provides cultural context for what it likely meant for Mary and Joseph to be engaged; it probably wasn’t a whirlwind romance or even a sweet courtship. Instead, it was a marriage likely based on survival, uniting two families to better provide for each other, as many had to suffer and starve under the cruel Roman Empire.
However, as the film progresses, we see a beautiful, sweet romance develop between Mary and Joseph, demonstrating that not all love stories have to follow the plot of a Nicholas Sparks film. We know what it means to be drawn to someone’s soul, to commit to someone, regardless of the difficulties.
4. Jireh
This contemporary worship song from Elevation Worship and Maverick City opens with a powerful line: “I will never be more loved than I am right now.” “And I’m sure if we really understood that, we wouldn’t place so much of our value on the state of our relationship.
Of course, it’s completely normal to want to have a romantic relationship, to have someone to share this life with. After all, God created marriage and called it good, but His goodness is only realized when two people come together, recognizing that their love and worth are solidified by the God who created them, not by each other.
5. Hacksaw Ridge
Call me crazy, but I find this World War II movie – yes, full of blood and violence – to include one of the sweetest romantic subplots in the modern film industry. Bonus points: this romance was real!
This war film is based on a true hero who single-handedly saved 75 men in his unit without carrying a rifle, thanks to his personal Christian beliefs.
If you want to watch an inspiring movie with a sweet romance without all the sappiness and cheesiness of a romance, try this action-packed movie!
6. All/All music by Steffany Gretzinger
Steffany Gretzinger is a Christian singer and songwriter, first known on the Bethel Music team. In 2019, she feels pushed in a new direction and continues to create and sing her own music.
Her 2020 album, Forever Amen, was a powerful part of my faith as I faced not only a global pandemic, but also the fact that my husband was away for work so often.
If loneliness threatens you this Valentine’s Day, listen to his music, any music. It changed my life.
7. I still believe
Many people know the famous Christian singer Jeremy Camp, but not everyone knows his first wife, Melissa, whom he lost at a young age to a tough battle with cancer.
This film is a powerful tearjerker that reminds us how powerful God’s love truly is, no matter what.
8. Promises
This worship song from Maverick City, featuring Naomi Raine and Joe L. Barnes, is one of the most encouraging and reassuring on my Christian playlist.
Whether you’re waiting for love or going through a difficult marriage, this song reminds us that we are never alone and that God’s promises are our true place of safety.
9. The elected officials
Despite the secular market that dominates movies and shows, The Chosen has become a global television sensation. It has undoubtedly raised the bar for what Christian entertainment should look like, primarily centered on the life of Christ. But most of all, this show represents the everyday sinner who is called by name by the God of all.
Regardless of our social status, marital status, or spiritual influence, our worth has always been based solely on the love of Christ. It was never about us and what we do or don’t do. It was always about Him. What a promise of peace to see on screen!
10. Love comes slowly
If you’re up for an 1800s western romance – with all the sappiness – this is your winner!
Love Come Softly is based on the original book series by Janette Oke…which means there are several movies to watch if you need a cozy movie night for Valentine’s Day.
Your unstoppable access to love
Regardless of your relationship status, remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit, which means you can ask God to pour His love into your life like never before! Do not neglect this powerful access to our Savior and remember that He also grants joy.
Find ways to make Valentine’s Day full of joy, even in the simplest ways, like homemade snacks and inspiring Christian movies.
Sending you love, light and hope this Valentine’s Day!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Oleg Breslavtsev
