With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, and 14 days to prepare from the beginning of February, the LDS Church issued a 14-day Love One Another Challenge. Each day challenges members and non-members alike to emulate a love like the Christ’s.
The challenge, publicized through social media, invites all to join and exemplify “simple ways to spread the love,” according to the LDS Church’s Facebook page.
Jocelyn Carpenter, a sophomore from Missouri with an undeclared major, and Pearl Tuiasosopo, a junior from Samoa studying political science, both came across the challenge through Facebook. Carpenter said she shared the post and one of her friends of another faith did as well. Carpenter said it was awesome to see her friend’s acceptance of the challenge.
Valentine's Day “is only for those who really celebrate it, so this is finding a different way to celebrate it,” Carpenter said. “Especially,” she continued, “because, one, I’m single and, two, Valentine’s Day sucks for single people.”Lds.org said on Jan. 29, when the challenge was issued: “Love isn’t confined to a month. Love is not dependent on relationship status. In fact, it’s not about one day. It’s about every day.”
“Instead of having a significant other, why not try to love everybody? Maybe you can’t love someone specifically, but maybe you’re a bigger person if you love everybody,” said Carpenter.
The 14-day challenge presented Tuiasosopo and a few of her friends with the opportunity for a spiritual boost, she said. Each day has a specific way to “love one another,” “look beyond the looks” and “forgive someone of their shortcomings.”
Tuiasosopo said she and her close friends gather each night for scripture study. As of Feb. 1, they’ve been going over the new daily goal as well. During her day of classes, Tuiasosopo stated, “When I come across certain things that troubles my mind, I refer to the challenge for that day.”
Tuiasosopo said already in the first few days it has helped her spiritually and her associations with others. “It’s changing how I think about things and how I see other people,” said Tuiasosopo.