Why Valentines Day?
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Valentine in the dungeon
The True Meaning of Valentine’s Day
Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day? Is it just about writing cute cards, buying chocolates, or taking our significant other out for an expensive dinner? While Valentine’s Day focuses on romantic love, its origins run much deeper. At its core, it is rooted in the love of God and the courage to stand for what is right.
In the third century, during the Roman Empire, Emperor Claudius II decreed that young men should not marry. He believed that soldiers would be more focused and loyal if they were not distracted by wives and families. To enforce this, he forbade marriage among men of fighting age.
However, a priest named Valentine saw things differently. Believing that marriage was a sacred gift from God, he secretly performed weddings despite the emperor’s orders. Eventually, he was discovered, arrested, and sentenced to prison.
Even in prison, Valentine’s faith in God remained unshaken. He befriended his jailer and even tutored the jailer’s young daughter in reading and writing. His kindness and love reflected the teachings of Christ, showing that true love reaches even beyond barriers of enmity. We should love our neighbore as we love ourselves. According to tradition, he signed his notes to the young girl, “From your Valentine.” This is believed to be the origin of the practice of exchanging Valentine’s cards.
John 13:34-35 (NKJV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The emperor eventually gave Valentine a choice: renounce his Christian faith and worship the Roman pagan gods, or face execution. Valentine chose to stand firm in his faith, refusing to deny Christ—even at the cost of his life.
The Moral of the Story
True Christian leaders:
Stand up for what is right, even when the government says otherwise.
Share the love of Christ with everyone—even their enemies.
Remain faithful to Christ, no matter the cost.
Valentine’s Day is more than just a celebration of romance. It is a reminder of sacrificial love, unwavering faith, and the courage to stand for truth.
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