THE REAL VALENTINE
A weary man languishes in a Roman jail, his body aching from the lashes of a whip. The year is 269 AD. His crime? Performing weddings for unmarried soldiers. His name was Valentine of Terni, or St. Valentine, for whom we have named Valentine’s Day. Knowing the real story behind Valentine’s Day is difficult, because history and legend have melded into a murky mix. We can be certain he lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius II, dubbed by history “Claudius the Cruel.”
Claudius viciously persecuted Christians and forbade Roman soldiers from marrying, since he believed single men would be more willing to die in battle than those who were married. As a man of God, Valentine secretly performed weddings for young couples, offering them an opportunity to live together in holy matrimony. Eventually authorities caught and imprisoned him, and according to tradition, executed him on February 14, 269. Valentine was beaten, stoned and then decapitated. It’s safe to assume, authorities wanted to make absolutely certain of his death.
Legends surrounding Valentine’s martyrdom are myriad. One story asserts that prior to his execution, he fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. This tradition claims she was blind and Valentine prayed for her and she was healed. Supposedly, his final words were in the form of a note he left for this young woman signed, “From your Valentine.” He thus provided humanity with the first Valentine’s card. According to other legends, soldiers whom he had married and their families threw notes of love into his jail cell.
Does it really matter? I suppose not. But this is crucial: On this day devoted to love, I need to take time to value those God has placed in my life: my spouse, children, extended family and friends. I Corinthians 13:3 from The Message reads, “No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.”
Cards, candy and flowers are great. But know what’s even better? Giving ourselves to those we love. Our time. Our attention. Our touch. According to Focus on the Family, couples who spend twenty minutes a day talking about their marriage and how they feel toward each other have a one to two percent divorce rate. We don’t need to die martyr’s deaths like the original Valentine. Let’s embrace his spirit. Let’s take time to reach out and love the people around us.
Principle: Take time to reach out and love the people around me.
Ponder:
How can I embrace the spirit of Saint Valentine, not only on February 14, but every day of the year?
What specific people can I reach out to today and express my love and appreciation?
Promise: Love never fails
Probe: For a deeper dive, study I Corinthians 13 and Romans 12:9-21
Prayer: Loving Father, on this day devoted to love, fill me with your heart of love. Let it overflow into the lives of others.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional.