True Meaning of Valentine's Day

Transcription

1 True Meaning of Valentine's Day When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, valentine cards, going out to dine, doing something romantic and of course we can t forget the chubby little winged cherubs flying around shooting their arrows. But did you know as the legend goes the origin of Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? It's true love that compelled a young Christian to give up his life rather than stop sharing his faith. St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's Day is that it commemorates a martyrdom, when Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" 1

2 Of course, this no Christian could do. So he was put in prison. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. It is said that Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. (One person s life effects many) When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death. However, just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love. 2

3 Given that the tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer's daughter on the eve of Valentine's execution, It's ironic that the card we send has received the emphasis, instead of remembering the content of the original Valentine's card: a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, even upon pain of death. We as Christians need to celebrate the true love that compelled this young man, Valentine to give up his life? Remember that the day we know as Valentine's Day actually commemorates the death of an early Christian martyr, Valentine, who was put to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ. By all means, celebrate Valentines day, husbands do something special for your wives and wives do something special for your husbands, But remember to put back the true Christian meaning by deciding to live for Jesus without fear or shame, following the godly example of Valentine's unconditional love for Christ. 3

4 How can you celebrate Valentine's Day in a way that honors the original Valentine, one who was martyred for his devotion to God? Lets look at three ways. First, give your life to Christ, totally and whole heartedly. It s easy to live for Christ part time, but we need to live for Him full time. Remember what He s done for you. Gal 2:20 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. NKJV Second, declare the truth about God's love even if it costs you something. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Third, become a servant to those you love, rather than demanding that your needs be met. Love your spouse with all you re heart. 4

5 Gal 5:13 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NKJV This is true love. To serve one another, we need to serve our mate with love. We all want to hear the words, "Be my Valentine." Which simply means "you are loved." This Valentine's Day, remember that you are loved. God loves you and wants you to be His valentine. The love that God gives us is not like the world's love. The world's love is only as sturdy as a paper Valentine's card. But God's love is not a flimsy, cheap imitation: it is the real thing. It is an all-giving love that was and is willing to suffer and die for our deliverance. Will you be God's valentine? It is your choice. 5

6 Say yes and give to God the love He desires. And when you do, remember the first Valentine and how he gave everything, including his life, to the God he loved. So give God the love He deserves and have a Very Happy Valentines Day 6