In the buzz of February, a question often arises: What is Valentine’s Day? Is it in the Bible?. Some might even ask in a hyped voice, “When souls are perishing, what’s our concern with Valentine’s Day? Does it even concern God?”. These are important questions for believers to navigate as we seek to understand if we are celebrating love in a way that honors God.
Different Perspectives on the Day of Love
From a faith-based standpoint, one can argue that showing love—in a pure and godly way—aligns perfectly with God’s nature because He is love. As stated in 1 John 4:8:
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (KJV)*
However, there is a flip side. If the festivities distract people from spiritual matters, the day might be seen as unimportant or even unnecessary. Many believe the world has “turned it upside down.” While it is termed a day of love, it is often not done the way it is supposed to be. In the worldly realm, this day is frequently known as a day to “lust around and do all that sort of rubbish.”
As believers, while we are in this world, we must not be conformed to it. Romans 12:2 instructs us:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2(KJV)
Brief History of Bishop Valentine
The roots of the day are found in the story of Bishop Valentine of Terni, in Rome. He was a priest or Bishop known for his deep care for persecuted Christians and for healing the sick, such as an epileptic child. He was eventually martyred by the emperor of Rome because of his faith and his value for those being persecuted.
After his death, he was canonized as the “Lover’s Saint,” and February 14th became a feast day in many orthodox circles. For the believer, this history should be inspiring and reawakening because it points to a life that was poured out to God from a place of love for both God and people.
Redeeming the Time
Instead of viewing the day through a worldly lens, it should be a time to reevaluate our hearts and not just our emotions. It is an opportunity to show genuine love to those around us and to lost souls. Ephesians 5:16-17 (AMP) puts it this way:
“Making the very most of your time on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.”
Jesus: The Greatest Valentine
While Valentine’s Day itself isn’t in the Bible, God’s love certainly is. His love is unconditional, eternal, and
sacrificial. We see this through the following scriptures:
Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (KJV)*
Jeremiah 31:3: “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (KJV)*
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV)*
Jesus is the greatest Valentine because He gave His life for us. True love isn’t just romance; it is God’s love calling us to love Him and others. As 1 John 4:7-8 says:
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (KJV)
A Daily Commitment to Love
True love is not always about the things or people we like and connect with easily. Even in marriage, love is ultimately about laying one’s life down for another, sometimes in the most undeserving seasons.
No man or woman can love you the way Jesus does, and this is the message and gift we ought to be giving every day, not just on February 14th. Remember, God will not ask for anything He hasn’t already given. The same love He showed us when we were not perfect is the love He requires us to show others.
