A Reminder of True Love
There are already advertisements intended to motivate people to shop for gifts for Valentine's Day. As is the case with many holidays the true meaning of Valentine’s Day seems to have been lost. In fact, I used to not like Valentine’s Day at all. There has been such an emphasis on Romance, flowers, candy and the mythical chubby creature with an arrow. I felt it really didn’t apply to me.
As a single woman, I felt left out of the celebration of Valentine’s Day until I learned about its history and true meaning. St Valentine was a godly man with a deep faith. He was committed to God and sincerely loved people. He would frequently send messages of encouragement written on red paper to believers who were being persecuted for their faith. That was probably the origin of our custom of sending “Valentine” cards as expression of our affection. St Valentine eventually paid the ultimate sacrifice being a willing substitute for another young believer. He allowed himself to be martyred in his place.
Understanding the history and origin of the holiday we celebrate on February 14th prompts me to appreciate the value of love.
There are various types of love we can experience. Friends can enjoy a bond and special companionship. A man and a woman can revel in romantic love. Parents hold in their hearts a loving care for their children. The model for all love is found in the heart of God.
God’s love is everlasting.
Jeremiah 31:3 (New American Standard Bible)
The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
"I have (A)loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
God’s love is for everyone.
John 3:16 (New American Standard Bible)
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
I am grateful for God’s love – the greatest love of all!
As a single woman, I felt left out of the celebration of Valentine’s Day until I learned about its history and true meaning. St Valentine was a godly man with a deep faith. He was committed to God and sincerely loved people. He would frequently send messages of encouragement written on red paper to believers who were being persecuted for their faith. That was probably the origin of our custom of sending “Valentine” cards as expression of our affection. St Valentine eventually paid the ultimate sacrifice being a willing substitute for another young believer. He allowed himself to be martyred in his place.
Understanding the history and origin of the holiday we celebrate on February 14th prompts me to appreciate the value of love.
There are various types of love we can experience. Friends can enjoy a bond and special companionship. A man and a woman can revel in romantic love. Parents hold in their hearts a loving care for their children. The model for all love is found in the heart of God.
God’s love is everlasting.
Jeremiah 31:3 (New American Standard Bible)
The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying,
"I have (A)loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.
God’s love is for everyone.
John 3:16 (New American Standard Bible)
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
I am grateful for God’s love – the greatest love of all!
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