In a social media message posted Wednesday, Feb. 14, President Russell M. Nelson invited all to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to recommit to loving their neighbor.
President Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the day is one where people all over the world celebrate love. While love can at times be about flowers, chocolate and gifts, “the second great commandment teaches of a different kind of love — that of actively loving our neighbor.”
Living that second great commandment is the key to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ, President Nelson said. And he said the second great commandment follows an even greater commandment — which is the commandment to first love God.
“We often see people in the world today ignore the first commandment. And yet, when we obey the first commandment, we are much better equipped to keep the second commandment,” he said.
President Nelson said it has been his privilege to witness the impact of the Church’s many humanitarian efforts around the world. Valentine’s Day is a day to remember to love one’s neighbor “whether they live in the house next door or across the globe.”
On Valentine’s Day two years ago, President Nelson posted a message about “lovingkindness” on social media.
“There is one source to whom we can all turn to either enhance the love we feel for others or to mend our hearts when they feel broken — the Savior Jesus Christ,” he said. “His ministry, His teachings and His selfless sacrifice were all born out of His infinite love and tremendous care for each one of us.”
President Nelson also pointed out one word that appears more than two dozen times in the Old Testament.
“[B]e on the lookout for a certain word. … That word is ‘lovingkindness,’” he wrote. “Let’s find ways today to show lovingkindness to everyone around us.”
More Valentine’s Day messages in 2024
On Feb. 14, 2024, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted two pictures of his front door covered by colored paper hearts filled with notes from the children and youth in his grandson’s ward.
“God loves each of us — His children. Let us remember today — and every day — to love one another the way our Heavenly Father and His Son love us,” Elder Uchtdorf wrote.
Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted about Heavenly Father’s love for each one of His children.
“To those of you who are thinking, ‘Well, not me,’ He especially loves you,” Elder Kearon said.
On the Young Women Worldwide accounts, Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, wrote about Friend’s Day in Argentina and finding ways to show love to friends and family.
