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Happy Valentine’s Day! On days like today, our culture often emphasizes romance, chocolates, and flowers. However, the original St. Valentine’s story provides a much deeper understanding of love, one that aligns with our faith as believers in Christ. St. Valentine, a priest in Rome during the 3rd century, is known for his courageous acts of love, particularly in his defiance against Emperor Claudius II. The emperor had banned marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, however, continued to perform secret marriages for couples in love, demonstrating that love transcends societal constraints.

St. Valentine’s actions remind us that love is not merely an emotion or a fleeting feeling. It is a commitment to act selflessly for the good of others. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul articulates the nature of love beautifully:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV)

When we think of St. Valentine, we see a reflection of this biblical love. He displayed patience in the face of persecution and kindness by marrying couples who longed for the sacred bond of marriage. His love was not self-seeking; it was sacrificial and rooted in the desire to honor God through his actions.

As Christians, we are called to embody this love in our daily lives. Interestingly, we can substitute Jesus’ name for the word “love” in this passage to see how He exemplifies these qualities:

“Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. Jesus does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He does not dishonor others, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This substitution serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of Christ and the love He calls us to emulate. In a world that often prioritizes self-gratification, we are reminded that true love is about putting others first, showing kindness even when it’s difficult, and forgiving without reservation.

This Valentine’s Day, let us not only express our affection for those close to us but also strive to mirror the love of Christ in our interactions. Whether it’s through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, we have the opportunity to reflect Jesus’ love in tangible ways.

As we celebrate this day, consider reaching out to someone who may feel lonely or forgotten. A simple gesture—a phone call, a handwritten note, or an invitation to coffee—can make a significant impact. Remember, love is not just a feeling; it is an action. Let us commit to showing love that is patient and kind, just as our Savior exemplified.

In closing, I encourage you all to share the love of Christ with others, not just today, but every day. Let us be vessels of His love in a world that desperately needs it. Happy Valentine’s Day!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Ryan