Valentine’s Day is a day we set aside for honoring love. And what better way to honor love than to look to its true source? Scripture reminds us that love is not merely a feeling or a fleeting moment, but a gift rooted in God’s very nature. God the Father demonstrated His great love for us in the ultimate way: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Scripture overflows with verses that remind us of God’s love. Below are several passages to reflect on this Valentine’s Day — and how they can shape life together at Concordia University Ann Arbor.
1 John 4:16
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
At CUAA, this verse invites our community to live from a place of belonging rather than performance. As students, faculty and staff abide in God’s love, that love is reflected in classrooms, meetings and everyday interactions.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude…”
These words challenge us to practice love in daily interactions — especially when deadlines are tight, perspectives differ or responsibilities feel heavy. In teaching, learning and working together, love takes shape through patience, humility and grace.
1 John 4:7-9
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God…”
This passage reminds the CUAA community that Christian love flows outward because it first comes from God. Our care for one another becomes a witness to Christ in academic spaces, offices and partnerships beyond campus.
1 John 3:1
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
In a world that often measures worth by productivity or achievement, this verse grounds our identity in God’s love alone. At CUAA, we learn and serve as people who are already known, valued and claimed by God.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
Whether preparing lessons, completing coursework or supporting the work of the University, this verse offers a simple but powerful calling. Love shapes not only what we do at CUAA, but how we engage one another in the process.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
Community life brings both joys and challenges. This passage calls the CUAA community to lead with forgiveness, patience and perseverance, even when misunderstandings arise.
Matthew 22:36-40
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus’ words remind us that faith and love are inseparable. At CUAA, loving God through learning naturally leads to loving others through service, respect and care for the wider community.
Deuteronomy 7:9
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love…”
This verse reassures us that God’s faithfulness does not waver with circumstances. As students and employees navigate changing schedules, responsibilities and seasons of life, God’s steadfast love remains constant.
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…”
This passage centers our hope not on our own efforts, but on God’s mercy. At CUAA, grace-filled learning and work flow from the truth that we have been made alive together in Christ.
Psalm 86:15
“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
This verse reflects the character we strive to model in our shared work. Mercy, patience and faithfulness shape how we lead, collaborate and support one another.
Jeremiah 31:3
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
God’s love is not temporary or conditional. For the CUAA community, this promise offers assurance that God remains present and faithful through every season of learning and service.
Romans 5:5
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts…”
This verse reminds us that Christian hope is rooted in God’s love, not in circumstances. It encourages students, faculty and staff to move forward with confidence grounded in the Spirit’s work.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”
This prayer reflects a shared desire at CUAA — that hearts and minds remain centered on Christ. God’s love and steadfastness guide our teaching, learning and service.
1 John 4:10
“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us…”
This final reminder anchors Valentine’s Day — and every day — in grace. Love begins not with us, but with God, and it is that love that shapes our life and work together at CUAA.
Original article written by Grace Hedtke and published on Feb. 14, 2022
Republished and edited on Feb. 14, 2026 with additional content
—
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.