Valentine’s Day .. the day to celebrate the love we share with that someone special in our lives .. and yes .. as being one who has publicly declared to do all I can to “love like Jesus” .. haha .. I’m reminded how it all began and who actually started this “day of love ” tradition .. and yes .. many of us may know .. however .. each year we can see it with a whole new light.
There was a young man named Saint Valentine .. a Roman Christian who was willing to suffer anything .. even death .. rather than to give up His belief in Jesus .. as a matter of fact .. prior to his death .. he ministered in prison by witnessing to the prison guards .. there are stories about him .. praying .. witnessing .. and yes .. even healing in His Name .. haha .. his love for others in Jesus’ name changed many lives .. and yes .. when the Emperor heard about it .. He was furious that Valentine was still making converts in prison .. so furious .. that he sent him straight to death .. yet .. just before his execution .. that young Believer wrote a note to the jailers daughter .. signing it simply .. “From your Valentine” .. and there we have it .. the first valentine was a Christian witness .. where from there .. the tradition began .. cards and love letters written and shared each year .. originating from a man who “loved like Jesus” .. haha .. oh how I love this story .. I can even see it happening .. the look on his young face as he gave that card with the message of his unconditional devotion to Christ .. and yes .. even upon the pain of death .. that’s big .. so today .. may we all be mindful to remember .. that yes .. with every card and chubby cherub we give .. we actually celebrate the very love that drove that young man to give up his life .. and while doing so .. let’s not forget to share its meaning as well .. let’s share with wholeheartedness .. and yes .. without shame or fear .. the awesome example of Valentine’s unconditional love for Christ .. declaring the truth .. even if it costs us by being a servant to those we love .. for friends .. the glorious news is that we are loved by Love Himself .. and yes .. He wants us to be His valentine .. for yes .. His love is the real thing .. it’s an all giving love that was and is .. willing to suffer and die for each one of us .. with no respecter of person .. for the truth is .. in His eyes we’re all the same .. and yes .. that means every single one of us .. so again we will boldly say .. haha .. oh yeah .. love wins period
” I pray that you .. being rooted and established in love .. may have power .. together with all the Lord’s holy people .. to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ .. and to know this love that surpasses knowledge .. that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”