The first thing I think of when it comes to Valentine’s Day is the red heart, and the word “love” that is seen so often at this time .
While in most cases Valentine’s Day is linked to the Greco-Roman fertility festival, the history of Valentine’s Day, in the truest sense of the word, goes back to some early Christian martyrs by the names of Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Turni. Along with another saint who died for the Christian cause in Africa, they were killed during the persecution of Emperor Aurelean for their beliefs.
We conclude from the historical record that in the truest sense of the word, Valentine’s Day is not a romantic occasion, but rather a story of people giving their hearts for a cause that was higher than their own selves or selfish ambitions.
With Valentine’s Day coming, it may be OK to adjust our thinking just a bit toward what real love is. Real love is laying our lives down for others. Long before these martyrs of the past, Jesus laid down His life for us. He gave all of His heart and life because He loved us. The martyrs of the past loved the church and Christ’s cause so much that they literally gave their hearts and laid down their lives.
As we consider this upcoming Valentine’s Day, it may be wise that we move away from the shallow Greco-Roman view where we, in a self-centered way, ask others to “be my valentine” and shift toward another thought; that true love gives heart and soul for others and for a cause higher than our own “give me” or “be my” ideals.