“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:9-10

According to studies, many people tend to spend too much money on Valentine’s Day to show their love and affection to their loved ones. They are more likely to splurge on gifts such as jewelry, an extravagant bouquet, chocolates or dining out in a fancy restaurant. However, celebrating Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be extravagant, just to be romantic — it only needs time, effort and a sincere heart to express your unwavering love and commitment to your loved ones.

Here are budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas that will make your day more memorable, sweeter and fun.

Have a simple date at home.

“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 9:9

Exert an extra effort this Valentine’s Day and prepare a simple dinner date at home for your spouse. Dress up for the night and decorate your dining table by putting a lace Valentine Heart prints table runner and flickering candles

to add ambiance and glamour to your date. “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” – Proverbs 24:3-4. Home cookedmeals are always the best — it is healthy and very economical. So, prepare your spouse’s favorite dishes or pastry and enjoy the food that you serve while listening to your favorite love songs. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

Make your spouse feel special and loved.

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” – Song of Solomon 4:7

Express your love to your spouse by doing the things that you don’t usually do. Surprise him/her with a breakfast in bed, a long letter or a cheesy note. Appreciate their efforts, thank your husband for being a good provider or thank your wife for keeping your house clean and in order. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Thus, find practical ways to bond with your spouse on this day and give your undivided attention to him/her. Make him/her feel special by complimenting her and telling her how much you are grateful to have her. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22

Reminisce about your memories together.

“We who had sweet fellowship together Walked in the house of God in the throng.” – Psalm 55:14

Spend time together and have a healthy conversation with your spouse. Keep your marriage healthy and alive by reminiscing about your unforgettable moments together. Talk about how your plans and prayers are all coming together, the things that makes you thrill or flutter. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8. Reminisce about how you met, fell in love with each other or your memorable experience such as your first date or your wedding day. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Do a chore together.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Stay at home and help one another with the household chores. Ask your spouse if they need help in cleaning the house, doing the laundry, washing the dishes or mopping the floor. Put a smile on your spouse face and make your wife happy with your simple action.  “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” – 1 Peter 3:7. Redecorate your entryway by adding a Love Blocks on your console table or Love Train to welcome the guests during the season. You can also rearrange the furniture in your living room, dining room or bedroom. The wife can also help her husband by doing some stuff like vacuuming the car or cleaning the garage. “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” – Genesis 2:18

Keep the romance alive.

“Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5

One of the keys to have a happy and lasting marriage is by keeping your love burning for each other. Be intimate with each other and keep the spark alive in your marriage. Hug, kiss, hold hands together and pursue your wife even after marriage. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4. Honor your marriage, keep your bed pure, fulfill your duty as a husband and wife and let God be the center of your relationship. “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.” – Proverbs 5:18-19

Thus, end your day by committing your relationship to God, read the Scripture, pray together and ask God to keep your marriage vows and let your love grow each day.