Today is Valentine’s Day 2019, a day when many take time to celebrate those we love. I would be amiss if I did not take a moment to say “Happy Valentines Day” to my forever Valentine, Amy. If I counted correctly, this is out 32nd Valentine’s Day together and our 30th as husband and wife. I look forward to the many more that follow.

Maybe you do not have someone at present. Maybe you are heart-broken today because the one you express your love to does not love you in return. This is a familiar story. One Jane Austen develops as a side story in her novel Emma.

Emma takes Miss Harriet Smith under her wing to help her become more lady-like. In her societal growth, Miss Smith refuses the proposal of marriage she receives from a local farmer, Mr. Robert Martin. Mr. Martin is heart-broken. Emma convinced Miss Smith that she was vastly superior to Mr. Martin and helps her refuse him. Emma then encourages Miss Smith to set her sights a someone who is more of a gentleman.

Emma begins to fall in love with the vicar Mr Elton, whom she and Emma believe has his heart set on Miss Smith. It is not until after a carriage ride shared by Emma and Mr. Elton when he confesses his love to Emma, that Emma realizes that Mr. Elton loves her and not Miss Smith. Emma refuses Mr. Elton’s proposal of marriage, but poor Harriet Smith is heart-broken. Mr. Martin, Miss Smith, and Mr. Elton all suffer when their love goes unrequited.

Unrequited Love

The Apostle John writes, “We love because He (God) first loved us.” (1John 4:19). God has expressed and continually expresses His love for you. Do not let God’s love go unrequited!

– Scott