Cupid is out and about as Valentine’s Day is among us. Hearts, lace decorated shops featuring provocative Valentine outfits to be offered along side flowers and chocolates.
But what exactly is Valentine’s Day? The internet tells us it’s the fourteenth day of February named after Saint-Valentine who was killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today.
Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
With that in mind, and the fact in walking with God we are expected to do ‘the Godly thing’ each chance we get, how can we turn candy and flowers into a true gift of giving? Simply turn a commercially romantic event into a gift of love driven by Faith in the Lord our God.
Always remember all that we have in this life is never truly ours to keep therefor trust in God to manage all material things that surround you.
I invite you to give not only to loved ones but to all those deserving of love. Either hidden in a succulent piece of dark chocolate, or in a beautiful bouquet of white roses, a heart shaped greeting card or even in a simple phone call, loving gestures are not only heart warming they are part of the Christian walk.
“Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:34-40)
To please God, we need to continue to love one another “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:33-35)
Obeying this command, let’s remember those not as fortunate and spread love as far as God drives us to!
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for all that surrounds us, for your love.
We pray you will strengthen our Faith and our minds
So we can live righteous lives walking in your footsteps.
Lord we pray you will continue to guide our footsteps
And inspire us to love those around us like you love us,
Unconditionally, eternally.
God please forgive our sins and those of our peers
See us through another week on your magnificent earth
And lead us to everlasting life in Heaven as only you can.
Thank you all mighty God for your presence in our lives.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
