February 2026 | Love That Shows Up
February brings Valentine’s Day and reminds us that love is something we choose and live out. As we consider how we show love to those closest to us, I’m struck by how often we see that kind of love embodied at CLDI.
Scripture reminds us that love is not merely a feeling, but a way of living. The New Testament uses several words to describe love, each revealing something of God’s design. Philo speaks to friendship and shared life. Storge reflects the faithful, familial love that creates belonging. Eros is the covenantal, committed love celebrated within marriage. And agape stands above them all as self-giving, sacrificial love that originates with God and is made visible through Christ.
This month, we want to pause and say thank you to our volunteers and church partners who live out these expressions of love in tangible ways. You show up with philo by building genuine friendships, walking alongside women in recovery, spending time with South Side youth, sharing meals, laughter, and conversation. You demonstrate storge through steady presence and faithfulness, creating a sense of belonging and safety in places where it has often been missing. You honor eros by modeling commitment and faithfulness in your families and marriages, offering a quiet witness to God’s design for love. And above all, you embody agape—serving faithfully, giving your time and energy, caring for our programs and spaces, and loving others without expectation of recognition or return.
Scripture calls us to this kind of love. As 1 John 3:18 reminds us, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” When winter stretches on and progress feels slow, Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, trusting that God will bring a harvest in His time. With more than 40 years of ministry behind us, we have seen this promise proven faithful.
This Valentine’s season, we are grateful for love that shows up! Love rooted in Christ, lived out through faithfulness, and expressed in action.
Thank you for standing with CLDI. We are grateful for you and honored to serve alongside you.
— Kaleb
