Red roses bloom, a sweet perfume,
Chocolates melt, dispelling gloom.
Handwritten notes, with words so dear.
Whispering secrets, year after year.
A day of hearts, a rosy hue,
Valentine’s whispers soft and true.
A gentle touch, a loving gaze,
In Cupid’s dance, our spirit sways.
This is a vivid description of how most people mark the 14th day of February every year. The Valentine’s Day story has it that Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men, was caught for continuing to perform marriages in secret and was executed on February 14th. Thus, this day, widely known as Valentine’s Day, has its roots in ancient Roman and Christian traditions and was set aside to honor Saint Valentine. The purpose of Valentine’s Day has evolved over time, but at its core, it is about showing gratitude and care for those special people in our lives. February 14th is marked globally by exchanging gifts, flowers, and heartfelt messages between romantic partners, friends, and family members. It is a day to strengthen bonds, create new memories and express love and appreciation in various ways.
What is the biblical standpoint on February 14th – Valentine’s Day? Many have failed to understand the purpose of Valentine’s Day thereby indulging in deeds that fall short of biblical standards. By the way, the ‘Cupid’s dance’ the poem above mentioned is meant for married couples as the Bible teaches. For this reason, the Apostle Paul admonishes everyone to: “Flee fornication or sexual immorality..” (See 1 Corinthians 6:18) He emphasizes that sexual immorality is different from other sins because it harms the person who commits it. This harm could be in the form of unwanted pregnancy; sexually transmitted diseases and infections; soul ties; regrets and psychological trauma, to name but a few. The Bible admonishes us to care for others and show affection daily and these should not only be demonstrated elaborately every February 14th.
While St. Valentine can still be remembered on February 14th, couples, friends and family members can still strengthen bonds and express love every moment. Some husbands can’t remember the last time they heartily told their wives, “I love you”. Some wives hardly buy a gift for their husbands, and they expect their husbands to always be on the giving side. For the naked or tattered, February 14th is a dress gift and for the hungry, February 14th is a satisfying meal. A patient in the hospital appreciates visitation, care and spiritual support as February 14th (See Matthew 25:35-40). So long as we are alive, every day provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the love and connections in our lives. Let us not wait until another February 14th to sacrifice our valuables for someone; forgive someone; be patient with someone, or show kindness to someone.
God has demonstrated His love for man by sacrificing Jesus Christ for our redemption. Hence, God’s Valentine is superb (See John 3:16). God is love and He deposits the Spirt of love in anyone who embraces Him. You can tap from His kind of love by receiving Jesus Christ into your life. Say this prayer of salvation: Dear Lord Jesus, from today, I accept and confess you as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe that you died and rose again to save me. Wash my sins away and shape my character. I declare that I am born again. Help me to walk in love daily.
By Sunday Omori
HEM Int'l 