Valentine's Day Devotional: Meddling for Love

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” (Titus 2:3–5 ESV).

If there’s one thing the modern world needs (especially around Valentine’s Day), it’s a little more constructive meddling from those of us who are middle-aged, married, “older” women. It’s time to channel your inner Auntie and step boldly into the love lives of the younger generation. Why? Because, as Titus 2:3–5 makes abundantly clear, many of us are uniquely qualified to do so.

Paul, writing to Titus, tells older women to live reverently and teach what is good—training younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, kind, etc. It’s a call to action. And while this may sound like the spiritual equivalent of needlepoint and polite tea parties, let me assure you: It’s much more subversive than that. It’s meddling but with purpose.

Have you looked around lately? Relationship formation is a disaster zone. Young people aren’t dating much anymore; they’re swiping, ghosting, and floundering in “situationships” that drag on for years with no resolution. Some have even resorted to AI boyfriends, which is about as romantic as falling in love with your toaster. And those who are genuinely seeking the Lord’s best for them find themselves in the middle of this chaotic cultural disaster, getting discouraged as they fervently try to find the God-fearing diamonds in the rough.

The result? Loneliness is skyrocketing, and the never-married demographic is ballooning. Sure, some are content with this, but many are quietly despairing, stuck in a cultural vortex where no one knows what they’re doing, and everyone’s too afraid to admit it. Enter you, dear meddlesome matron.

Frankly, no one else is equipped for the job. The younger generation’s peers are too entangled in their own romantic dramas to be effective matchmakers. The internet is more invested in keeping people swiping than in helping them commit. Fathers? Bless them, but most couldn’t tell the difference between a charming Elizabeth Bennet and a flighty Lydia if their lives depended on it.

But you, my fellow Titus 2 woman, are different. You have life experience, wisdom, and—crucially—nothing to gain but the satisfaction of seeing young couples flourish. You know what makes for a good match—not just someone who’s flashy but someone who will stick around, build a life, and join the great generational tapestry of love and community.

So, what does our call to meddling look like? It’s not about hosting elaborate debutante balls (though if you’re inclined, by all means, go for it!). It’s about keeping an eye out for opportunities to connect single friends, praying for their future spouses, gently nudging them toward potential relationships, and offering wisdom when it’s asked for—or even when it’s not.

Will they always appreciate it? No. Will it always work? Also no. But even if your success rate is 10%, that’s 10% more love in the world. And maybe a few extra Christmas cards.

So, aunties, assemble. The world is lonely, and we have nothing to lose but despair. Let’s weave some love.

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.