“BE MY VALENTINE”

Like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, the original story and meaning of Valentines Day has become badly distorted. What we call Valentine’s Day was at one time the Feast of St. Valentine. It was a religious holiday. For Christians in the past this holiday was a day to remember and celebrate the life and death of a Christian martyr. Here is the original historical account.

During the third century AD there was a young man named Valentinus who lead a group of Christians in caring for and reviving those who had been tortured or physically injured for their faith.

The Roman Emperor, Claudius II, dispatched one of his aides, named Asterius, to convert the young Valentinus to paganism. While Asterius was trying to convert Valentinus to paganism, Valentinus was witnessing to Asterius about Christ. Asterius became a Christian.

When the Emperor heard of Asterius’ conversion, became incensed and had Valentinus arrested and thrown in prison. Asterius and Valentinus communicated. Valentinus learned that Asterius had a young blind daughter named Julia. He asked if he could help her with her education. He also taught her about the Lord. When Claudius heard about this, he sentenced Valentinus to death. On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a loving note of encouragement and asked Asterius to give it to his daughter. The note was signed, “Your Valentine.” The next day, February 14th, 270 AD, Valentinus was beheaded.

We all like to hear “be my Valentine.” It simply means “you are loved.” I want to assure you that you are loved. God loves you and wants you to be His Valentine. The love that God gives us is not like the world’s love. The world’s love is as sturdy as the paper that most Valentine cards are made of. God’s Love is not a flimsy cheap imitation. It is the real thing. It is an all giving love that was and is willing to suffer and die for our deliverance.

Will you be God’s Valentine?