Can I be honest? Most modern Valentine’s films are, well, trash. The scripts are swallowed by sin of all kinds, which only waters down the plotlines. When the credits roll, nothing has left you inspired to do more or be more. If anything, you’re left thinking, “Wait, who was the protagonist again?”
Shakespeare’s five-point plot structure is contaminated with selfish sex and a false idea of love. Indeed, none of us apart from Christ have mastered love, but today’s entertainment industry has no standard for the sacred word outside what feels fleetingly good. Forget responsibility to others and personal character.
Two Different Messages
If you’re single and don’t know Christ, Hollywood and the secular music industry try to and often succeed at warping your idea of what you should be looking for in romance. Meanwhile, for the believer actively listening for the voice of the Spirit, today’s Valentine’s Day culture serves as a major damper. It’s an intentional bully, hoping you’ll think Christ’s best for you is just a figment of your religious imagination. It wants you to cave, to settle, to wallow, to go down with its twisted idea of romance.
But hear me out because I was a woman who was one of the last in her girlfriend group to find her man, a woman who was so sick of being a bridesmaid that she almost eloped (would it not have broken her mother’s heart). Listen to me: the good kind of love, the kind that Jesus made, the kind that stays, sacrifices, and fights for you, is out there. And it’s certainly not anywhere in today’s Valentine’s chick flicks. It’s not in today’s pop songs and rap songs, elevating the sex industry and hook-up culture with stilts made of sand.
I am begging you to hang on. Please. Continue listening for the Spirit and staying true to your convictions. Fight the good fight and find the love that makes it to eternity—and along the way, don’t grow bitter with the sweetness of a wholesome Valentine’s Day.
As Isaiah 34:15-17 (BSB) says, “There the owl will make her nest; she will lay and hatch her eggs and gather her brood under her shadow. Even there, the birds of prey will gather, each with its mate. Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit. He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.”
Whether February 14th still gives you romantic hope or has left you a bit salty, I have a combined list of ten songs and films to offer inspiration and encouragement to your heart:
1. One Night with the King
This early 2000s film is a hopeless romantic’s dream. It’s the dramatization of Esther, diving into what it must have been like to be presented before the king, chosen as his bride, and then called on God to defend her people.
Of course, there’s plenty of creative liberty, but it’s an endearing, clean film that stays true to Scripture and reminds each of us that while romance—even royal romance—is nice, our destiny in Christ is so much richer.
2. Be Thou My Vision
This beloved Christian hymn (most likely an original 6th-century Irish poem) is a lyrical powerhouse, as the words speak to our identity being rooted in our “great Father.” We are considered His “true son[s]” and daughters simply because He delights in safeguarding our hearts, guiding us from this life into eternity with Him.
The last two lines of the first verse are embedded in the back of my mind, drawn to the forefront when I lose sight of who I am or what my true purpose is apart from the messages this world hurls my way. The lines read:
“Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.”
3. The Nativity
Technically, this is a Christmas film, but for all of you looking for “Aww” moments of slow-burning romance, this is a winner.
The movie’s interpretation of Luke 2 provides cultural context for what it likely meant for Mary and Joseph to be betrothed; this was not likely a whirlwind romance or even a sweet courtship. Instead, this was a marriage probably based on survival, allying two families to better provide for one another, as many were left to suffer and starve under the cruel Roman empire.
However, as the film progresses, we see a beautiful, soft romance develop between Mary and Joseph, showcasing that not all love stories must follow the script of a Nicholas Sparks film. We know what it means to be attracted to someone’s soul, to commit yourself to someone, no matter the odds.
4. Jireh
This contemporary worship song by Elevation Worship and Maverick City opens with a powerful line: “I'll never be more loved than I am right now.” And I’m sure that if we truly understood this, we wouldn’t place so much of our worth in our relationship status.
Of course, it’s only normal to want to be in a romantic relationship, to have someone to share this life with. After all, God created marriage and called it good, but its goodness is fulfilled only when two people come together, recognizing that their love and worth are solidified by the God who made them, not by one another.
5. Hacksaw Ridge
Call me crazy, but I find this WWII film—yes, full of gore and violence—to include one of the sweetest romance subplots in the modern film industry. Bonus points that this romance was real!
This war film is based on a real hero who, single-handedly, saved 75 men in his unit without carrying a rifle due to a personal Christian conviction.
If you want to watch an inspiring movie with sweet romance without all the sap and cheesiness of a romance, give this action-packed movie a try!
6. Any/All Steffany Gretzinger Music
Steffany Gretzinger is a Christian singer and songwriter, first known as part of Bethel Music’s team. In 2019, she felt led 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 was challenged not only by a global pandemic but also by my husband being away for work so often.
If loneliness threatens you this Valentine’s season, listen to her music, any of it. It has been life-changing for me.
7. I Still Believe
Many people know famous Christian singer Jeremy Camp, but not everyone is familiar with his first wife, Melissa, whom he lost very young to a hard battle with cancer.
This movie is a powerful tearjerker that reminds us just how powerful God’s love truly is, come what may.
8. Promises
This Maverick City worship song, 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 walking through a challenging marriage, this song reminds us that we are never alone and that God’s promises are our proper safe place.
9. The Chosen
Despite the secular market dominating films and shows, The Chosen has become a global television sensation. It has undoubtedly raised the bar for what Christian entertainment, primarily centered on the life of Christ, should look like. But most importantly, this show represents the everyday sinner who is called by name by the God of everything.
Regardless of social status, marital status, or spiritual clout, our worth has always only hinged on the love of Christ. It’s never been about us and what we do or don’t do. It’s always been about Him. What a peace-giving promise to witness on the screen!
10. Love Comes Softly
If you’re up for an 1800s western romance—with all the sap—this is your winner!
Love Come Softly is based on the original Janette Oke’s book series…which means there are multiple movies to binge if you need a cozy movie night this Valentine’s Day.
Your Unstoppable Access to Love
No matter your relationship status, don't forget that love is a Fruit of the Spirit, which means you can ask God to pour out His love in your life like never before! Don’t neglect such powerful access to our Savior—and don’t forget that He grants joy, too.
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
