To be young, wealthy, in love-all in the third century, and to be a Christian. Such was young Valentine, he would consummate his great love by taking his love as his bride. Soon he would be wed, but his pleasurable orderly world came crashing down around him when the Roman emperor declared all Christians illegal citizens guilty of treason. All they had to do was say, ‘Caesar is Lord!” But all Valentine would say was “No, Jesus is Lord!” Rather than deny Christ young Valentine was arrested in the crackdown. In jail awaiting execution in the arena he wrote love letters to his girlfriend. Beautiful, passionate letters assuring her of his great love for her. But theirs would be a love not lived out. Their arms never entwined as husband and wife. On February 14, 269 A.D. young Valentine was put to death, martyred for Jesus Christ.
Since then, Christians have celebrated his fidelity to Christ and romantic love on the 14th of February by sending their own letters to special people. As we do so this year, let us too resolve to live for Christ unashamedly. Let us recall that still in our lives, as in young Valentine’s, there will be unfairness, unfulfilled longings, loneliness and yet, love. Love more powerful than a tyrant’s sword, more lasting than the centuries. For in Christ and in heaven we shall love God and one another for all eternity.
Written by Stephen Crotts, World Magazine, February 9, 1991
Let us not forget the love of Christ on this day of love.
“How great is the Father’s love for us that we should be called children of God”
I John 3:1
“Now faith, hope, and love remain but the greatest of these is love.”
I Corinthians 13:13