Candy! Flowers! Cards! Gifts! Sentiments exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. There are differing stories explaining the origin of St. Valentine.
One legend presents St. Valentine as a priest who was imprisoned for his attempts to help Christians escape from Roman prisons. While in jail, he fell in love with a young girl, possibly the jailer’s daughter, who frequently visited him. Prior to his death, still in jail, his first “Valentine” greeting was sent when he wrote a love letter for the young girl, signing it, “From Your Valentine.” Hence, bringing forth the expression still used today.
Although the truth behind the legend is somewhat murky, the varied stories all depict St. Valentine as a heroic, sympathetic, romantic figure. Initially the “Valentine” holiday was supposedly celebrated mid-February to commemorate the anniversary of St. Valentine’s death. Later, the day eventually became associated with love.
The staggering statistics surrounding society’s participation with this holiday gives one pause—well, at least me. According to the Greeting Card Association, there are an estimated 141 million Valentine’s Day cards exchanged each year, making it the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. Hallmark research estimates that more than ½ of the United States population celebrates the Valentine’s holiday by purchasing a greeting card. Further, the National Retail Federation states the total Valentine’s Day spending in the year 2016 was an estimated $19.7 billion dollars. Did you read that? Nineteen point seven billion dollars. That’s a lotta love, folks!
For me, these astounding stats suggest one thing. We all want to be loved. I believe we all share a need to be accepted, a need to be needed . . . a desire to be loved. I believe God has wired us that way. He has designed us to be connected.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1st Peter 4:8
Now, no offense to anyone, but it appears that some fall victim to the commercialism of this February holiday. Hey, I like a sentimental card or flowers as much as the next guy, but I don’t want those close to me to make a giant splash of expression on one day of the year and neglect demonstrating how they feel the other remaining 364 days. The Bible states this:
“And now these three things remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1st Corinthians 13:13
It appears love is pretty important to God, and something so significant should be demonstrated all the time. I know, I know . . . there are many out there who do indeed show their love and affection to others all year long, still making a splash on this holiday for someone special. I get that. However, some go out of their way, to great extremes–utilizing cards, fancy dinners, a showering of gifts . . . all with the idea that this will somehow prove their love, or worse, risk being in trouble if they fail to make some grandiose gestures. And why is that? Sadly, perhaps because they only demonstrate their feelings of love on this one day of the year.
I believe God would have us demonstrate care, compassion, understanding, and love all the time to all those around us, not just those with whom we have a close relationship with. This is what it means to be “His”; to love others as He has loved us. Being grateful for the love God has shown us by wanting to share it with others.
Keep in mind, it doesn’t take a card or a gift to make someone feel tremendously special.
In the Bible, John 3:16 says this:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The greatest proof of God’s love for you and me is the death of His son. A sacrifice made so that those who put their faith in Him can have life eternal.
God whispers to you and me today . . .
Will you be Mine?
