Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it.”  NKJV

Today, millions all over the world celebrate this holiday that focuses on Romantic Love.  The Bible is not silent on the matter of romantic love and the power of all kinds of love.  Romantic love will and has literally driven some mad and will cause people to do things they would never have thought possible to please the object of their affection.

I realize that Valentine’s Day was not originally a Christian Holiday and although its origin is associated with Saint Valentine its roots are largely rooted in the Greco-Roman pagan fertility festivals and a medieval notion that birds paired off to mate on February 14th each year.  The tradition of exchanging cards, candy or other tokens probably originated in England and France during the 14th and 15th centuries but became incredibly popular in the United States in the 20th century.  Whether you participate in this holiday and the traditions of Valentine’s Day is up to you and a decision you must make based on your personal convictions. 

However, on this occasion so much focus is on love and especially romantic love I want to address the power of LOVE!  Jesus said that the greatest demonstration of love was to lay down one’s life for their friends. (John 15:13) Paul addressed Love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, saying, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” NIV.  He goes on to say in verses 4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, 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.  Love never fails…”  NIV

Paul addressed marital love in Ephesians 5 telling the husbands to demonstrate the same love toward the wife as Christ does for His church.  It is to be a love that is exemplified in 1 Corinthians 13 and Proverbs 31.  We are advised or commanded in Colossians 3:14 to “put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”  Then in John 3:16 we have the picture of perfect and ultimate love.  In 1 John 3:16 we read, “This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (NIV) In 1 John 4:18 we are told of the power of love, “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (NIV)

So, on this day in which millions focus on love and celebrate love and all its qualities and benefits I encourage you to turn your heart first to the LORD, then to that one God has given you, then to your children, your family, and your friends.  Let us demonstrate the Love of God to all men.

My Valentine is in heaven now and has been for over ten months.  I miss her more than words can convey but one day I will see her again and see the Face of the One Who Died for me!  HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO EVERYONE!

If you have your valentine with you in the flesh, hold them close and treasure them. My Valentine has gone to heaven and I’m lonely beyond words today. But ONE DAY… One Day I will see her again!

Blessings as you celebrate this beautiful day in Christ our Lord!