Across the United States
Valentine’s Day is often filled with flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt notes. It’s a time to celebrate love in all its forms. But beyond the romantic gestures, this holiday reminds us of something even deeper—love that reaches beyond our own circle and into the lives of those who need it most.
For vulnerable children—those in foster care, facing instability, or waiting for adoption—love isn’t just a word. It’s something they long to experience in a consistent, life-changing way. This Valentine’s Day, let’s consider how we can embody love through action, stepping in to care for those who need it most.
Love is More Than a Feeling—It’s a Commitment
The Bible reminds us in 1 John 3:18, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Love isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do. For children in foster care, love looks like:
• A safe and stable home, where they can rest without fear.
• A caring mentor or advocate, who consistently shows up for them.
• A church that welcomes them, embracing them as part of the family.
Love, in its purest form, means showing up, standing in the gap, and offering belonging to those who have lost so much.
Ways to Show Love to Vulnerable Children
1. Open Your Heart and Home
Foster care isn’t just for those who feel a long-term calling to it. Many children need short-term placements, respite care, or even safe families for temporary support. If you’ve ever considered fostering, let this be a moment to take the next step.
2. Support a Foster or Adoptive Family
Caring for vulnerable children is a community effort. Ask a foster family how you can help—bring a meal, offer childcare, or simply be a listening ear. Your support can make a world of difference.
3. Advocate and Give
Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can do something. Support organizations that care for children in need, advocate for better policies, or give financially to meet practical needs.
4. Be a Mentor
Every child needs a stable, loving adult in their life. Whether through a mentorship program, church youth group, or simply reaching out to a young person in need, your time and encouragement can be life-changing.
Love That Heals
For children from hard places, love is not always easy to trust. They may have experienced loss, neglect, or trauma that makes them wary of connection. But love—when it is patient, consistent, and unconditional—has the power to heal.
This Valentine’s Day, as we celebrate love, let’s remember those who are longing for it in the form of security, family, and belonging. Love in action is the most powerful kind, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
How will you show love in action this Valentine’s Day?
