Loving God on Valentine's Day, True Meaning of Valentine
Words: Joey Papa
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Since its inception Valentine’s Day has lost its original meaning and deep roots in the love of God and loving others.
Saint Valentine was a priest 270 years after Christ ascended into heaven. Valentine refused to worship the Roman gods during his day and was arrested for not bowing his knee to false gods. When Valentine found himself in prison, he continued to share the love of God with the inmates and guards. One of the guards had a blind adopted daughter. The guard asked Valentine if his God could heal her. Valentine prayed for the little girl and she received her sight. When she was healed, the guard and all 46 family members gave their lives to Christ. This event spread quickly and eventually found its way back to the emperor. When the emperor heard of Valentines defiance, he quickly ordered he be beheaded.
This story is a lot different than our modern day celebration of Valentine’s life and message. Today it’s all about candy, flowers and finding someone to love you and adorn you with gifts. The holiday has become so commercialized that the truth of deep, sacrificial love has been lost. Valentine’s Day was intended to commemorate his life of sacrifice and his love for God and other people.
Jesus said that the entire Old Testament could be summarized in one statement. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.” This is point of the Law. Love was demonstrated in the most demonstrative way through Christ’s death. Love is selfless, sacrificial and patient. It doesn’t covet or think about the self but always wants the best for someone else.
This Valentine’s Day ditch society’s traditions of overspending and never loving. Make it a point to spend time with God on Valentine’s Day; worship him, pray and share your desire for him. Plan to do something for someone else. Make the day about giving yourself for the sake of someone. Go out of your way to share the truth of God with people and make the love of God real through your actions.
Share this story with your friends and family who are believers so they too can draw from the inspiration and true message of this holiday. As more people know the true meaning the more this day will be redeemed for its original purpose. God is love and it is in our demonstrations of love that the world will know he is real and with us.
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gives a lot of explanation.