Can I be honest? Most Valentine’s Day movies these days are, well, trash. The screenplay is engulfed in all sorts of sins and only wateres down the plotline. Nothing makes you want to do more and be more after the end credits roll. In fact, you’ll probably end up thinking, “Oh, who was the main character again?”
Shakespeare’s five-point plot structure is contaminated with false ideas about selfish sex and love. Sure, no one mastered love except Christ, but today’s entertainment industry has no standards for the divine word other than what feels temporarily good. Forget about your responsibilities to others and your personal character.
two different messages
If you are single and don’t know Christ, Hollywood and the secular music industry will try and often succeed in distorting your idea of what you should be looking for in a relationship. On the other hand, for believers who are actively listening to the voice of the Spirit, today’s Valentine’s Day culture is a major hindrance. It’s deliberate bullying, hoping you will think that Christ is best for you is just a figment of your religious imagination. It wants you to succumb to its distorted ideas about romance, to settle, to flounder, to be crushed.
But please listen. I was the last woman in my group of girlfriends to find a man, and I was the one who almost eloped because I was tired of being a bridesmaid (I guess it didn’t break my mother’s heart). Please listen. The good kind of love, the kind that Jesus created, the kind that will stay and sacrifice and fight for you, is out there. And that’s certainly nowhere to be found in today’s Valentine’s Day chick flicks. Today’s pop and rap songs don’t exalt the sex industry and hookup culture on stilts made of sand.
Please wait for me. please. Continue to listen to the Spirit and stay true to your beliefs. Fight the good fight and find love that will last forever. In the process, try not to suffer from a healthy dose of Valentine’s Day sweetness.
Isaiah 34:15-17 (BSB) As it says, “There the owls make their nests, and lay their eggs, and hatch them, and gather their young under their shadow; there too the birds of prey gather together, each with his mate. Seek and read the scroll of the Lord; not one of these birds is lost, nor is he without a mate. “For the Lord hath commanded with his mouth, and he hath gathered them together by his Spirit.” They shall distribute it according to their portion, and they shall dwell in it from generation to generation. ”
Whether February 14th still gives you romantic hope or leaves you feeling a little salty, we’ve put together a list of 10 songs and movies to inspire and encourage your soul.
1. A Night with the King
This early 2000s film is a hopeless romantic’s dream. This is an in-depth look at what it was like for Esther to appear before the king, be chosen as his bride, and call upon God to protect her people.
Of course, there are a lot of creative liberties, but this is a lovely, clean movie that stays true to the Bible and reminds each of us that while romance, even royal romance, is great, it reminds each of us that our destiny in Christ is richer.
2. Be my vision
This beloved Christian hymn (probably originally an Irish poem from the 6th century) has lyrical power because its words speak of our identity rooted in the Great Father. We are considered “true sons” and daughters of God because He is pleased to guard our hearts and lead us from this life into eternity with Him.
The last two lines of the first poem are embedded in the back of my mind, drawn to the forefront when I disconnect from the messages this world throws at me and lose sight of who I am and what my true purpose is. The line reads:
“Day and night, you are the most important thing to me.”
Whether awake or asleep, your presence is my light. ”
3. Nativity
Technically, this is a Christmas movie, but for those looking for the “aha” moment of a slow-burning romance, this is a winner.
The film’s interpretation of Luke 2 provides cultural context for what being betrothed likely meant for Mary and Joseph. This probably wasn’t even a whirlwind romance or sweet courtship. Rather, this was likely a marriage based on survival, with two families forming an alliance to better support each other, as many suffered and were left to starve under the cruel Roman Empire.
However, as the film progresses, a beautiful, tender romance develops between Mary and Joseph, proving that not all love stories have to follow the script of a Nicholas Sparks movie. We know what it means to be attracted to someone’s soul, to devote ourselves to someone, regardless of the odds.
4. Gilet
This contemporary worship song by Elevation Worship and Maverick City begins with the powerful lyric, “You’ll never be loved more than you are now.” And I’m sure if we really understood this, we wouldn’t put so much value on our relationship status.
Of course, it’s normal to want to have a romantic relationship and want someone to share this life with. After all, God created marriage and called it good, but that goodness is only fulfilled when two people come together and realize that their love and worth is cemented not by each other, but by the God who made them.
5. Hacksaw Ridge
Call me crazy, but I think this World War II movie — yes, it’s full of blood and violence — has one of the sweetest romance subplots in modern film industry. Bonus points that this romance was real!
This war movie is based on a real-life hero who single-handedly saved 75 men in his unit without carrying a rifle because of his personal Christian beliefs.
If you want to watch a moving movie that depicts a sweet romance without the sweetness and cheesiness typical of romance, then give this action-packed movie a try.
6. Any/All Music by Stephanie Gretzinger
Stephanie Gretzinger is a Christian singer and songwriter, first known as part of the Bethel Music team. In 2019, she felt guided in a new direction and continues to write and sing her own music.
Her 2020 album, Forever Amen, became a powerful part of my faith at a time when I was facing challenges not only due to the global pandemic, but also due to my husband being away from home frequently for work.
If loneliness threatens you this Valentine’s season, listen to her music, any music. It was life changing for me.
7. I Still Believe
Many people know about famous Christian singer Jeremy Camp, but not everyone knows about his first wife, Melissa. He lost his life at a young age after a brutal battle with cancer.
This is a tear-jerking and powerful movie that reminds us how powerful God’s love truly is no matter what happens.
8. Promise
This Maverick City Worship song featuring Naomi Lane and Joe L. Burns is one of the most encouraging and reassuring songs on my Christian playlist.
Whether you’re waiting for love or navigating a difficult marriage, this song reminds us that we’re never alone and that God’s promises are the safe place we deserve.
9. Chosen One
Despite the secular market dominating movies and shows, The Chosen has become a global television sensation. It definitely raised the bar for what Christian entertainment, primarily centered around the life of Christ, should be like. But most importantly, this show represents the everyday sinner being called by name by the God of all things.
Regardless of social status, marital status, or spiritual influence, our worth always rests solely on the love of Christ. It was never about us or what we do or don’t do. It was always about the Lord. What a promise of peace to witness on screen!
10. Love Comes Softly
If you’re looking for a sap-filled 1800s Western romance, this is a winner.
Love Come Softly is based on the original book series by Janet Oak. That means there are plenty of movies to enjoy if you’re looking for a cozy movie night this Valentine’s Day.
unstoppable access to love
Regardless of your relationship status, remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit. That means you can ask God to pour His love into your life like never before. Don’t ignore such powerful access to the Savior. Remember that the Savior also gives you joy.
Find ways to make Valentine’s Day full of joy, even in the simplest ways, like homemade treats or inspiring Christian movies.
Sending love, light and hope this Valentine’s Day!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Oleg Breslavtsev
Peyton Garland is a writer, editor, and mom of a boy who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee. For more encouragement, subscribe to her blog Uncured+OK.
