Valentine’s Day
Greater love has no one than this,than to lay down one’s life for his friends. - John 15:13
It is so cool how Valentine’s Day has given people the opportunity to show their love to each other by the giving of cards, chocolates and flowers. Even our children take Valentine cards to school to exchange with other students. Many people are familiar with the stories of Cupid; with his Latin name meaning desire, he is known as the god of desire, erotic love, and attraction. He goes about with his bow and arrows targeting couples so they fall in love.
Yet historically, the truth behind Valentine’s Day came about because of a Roman priest named Saint Valentine. He laid down his life to help persecuted Christians during the reign of Claudius. Valentine was subsequently thrown into jail. The Emperor attempted to convert the priest into worshipping Roman gods but he refused to renounce Christ. He was then beaten, stoned and beheaded on February 14, 269 A.D.
It has been recorded that while in jail, Valentine befriended the jailer, Asterious’ blind daughter. Through faith she received her sight and was converted to Christianity, along with her father. Later, they were also were put to death. On the eve of his execution, the priest wrote a farewell message to the girl and signed it, “From your Valentine.”
The Bible is God’s love letter to all mankind. In John 3:16, His awesome love is expressed when He sent Jesus, His Only Son to willingly lay down His life for us. There is no greater love.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love...”
Jeremiah 31:3
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
