Happy Valentine’s day!

Love is not divisive, isolating, clicky, inferior nor is it superior to anyone. It's forgiving, embracing accommodating, encouraging, uniting, no respecter of persons, humbling and unconditional. These are things worth remembering when celebrating Valentine’s day. That said, Valentine's day could bring up negative emotions in those who don't have anyone to share it with. But what if I told you genuine love has nothing to do with making anyone feel worse off, but should make everyone feel like they matter. That is, the kind of love God showed us, when he gave up Jesus for us and it's that kind of love we should show others. Knowing that the world always takes what God meant for good and turn it into something materialistic, it's important to note that materialism cannot breed love. Rather, it's the thought behind the loving actions we take that's important.

On that note, how did Valentine’s day begin? There are various narratives of how it originated. It was said that Valentine's day started as a pagan festival and was celebrated yearly in Rome in the month of February. The aim, was to help people find love. But it was the martyrdom of St.Valentine for his Christian faith, that led to the introduction of Valentine’s Day celebration for Christians. St.Valentine, a Roman clergyman, was known for ministering to persecuted Christians and for marrying couples at a time when marriage was deemed illegal. He was martyred by a Roman Emperor. After his death, the Pope declared St.Valentine’s day as a way to mark the anniversary of his death.

Concerning the Christian faith which St.Valentine practiced, God gave us Christians two clear commandments. The first was to love God and the other, to love others the same way we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Something I imagine St.valentine demonstrated when he ministered to persecuted Christians and lost his life for it. So, why would such a love not be celebrated? The Bible says in 1 John 4:16 that 'God is love'. A love that is unmerited and unconditional. St.Valentine clearly demonstrated God’s love in that regard.

That said, assuming Valentine’s day did originate from a pagan festival, it would raise some questions. One would have to ask: “If pagans could have their take on love, why shouldn't Christians be at the forefront championing love? Or “If God is truly love, why shouldn't Christians be the ones showing the world what unadulterated love should look like? It's the very reason I celebrate Valentine's day. To celebrate the love God has for us and to share that Godly love with others. Every Valentine’s day is different, but my aim remains the same, to fill my town with love notes. Encouraging others, one love note at at time. Because,

'Pleasant words are like honey. They are sweet to the spirit and bring healing to the body.'
-Proverbs 16:24, NIRV-

Encouraging others with something as little as kind words can do wonders for one’s spirit. It’s not always about buying, it’s about giving love, which can be inexpensive but thoughtful.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day! Remember, showing love to others should be a 365-day expression and not just a once a year occurrence. Enjoy the day and spread some Godly love. Will leave you with a song by 'Called Out' called 'Avalanche' in appreciation of God’s love for us and our love for each other.

Stay blessed and keep on going!