Saint Valentine was a Christian priest in Rome in the 3rd century during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. At a time when Christians were heavily persecuted, he remained faithful to Christ. Tradition says he secretly performed Christian marriages when the emperor attempted to ban them.
For refusing to renounce his faith, he was arrested, imprisoned, and eventually executed around AD 269. He is remembered as a martyr who lived out the words of Jesus in Gospel of John 15:13: “No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Saint Valentine showed that true love is not merely romantic or emotional, but sacrificial, faithful, and committed to God’s truth — even unto death.
When we hear “Be My Valentine,” we often think of cards, flowers, chocolates, and romantic gestures. February 14th in today’s culture is mostly associated with romantic love. Yet originally, Valentine’s Day was a Christian feast day honoring a martyr who gave his life for his faith. For Christians, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating God’s love. God showed His love through Jesus Christ, who gave His life for our salvation. This love goes deeper than feelings — it is a love willing to suffer and sacrifice for others.
We may say we love God, but real love is proven through commitment. Saint Valentine remained faithful in persecution, imprisonment, and even death. His life challenges us to examine our own devotion. This Valentine’s Day, let us:
1. Recommit our lives to Christ.
2. Stand boldly for truth, even when it is difficult.
3. Learn to “die to self” daily by putting others first.
4. Allow God’s love to shape how we treat our families, colleagues, and church members. Giving gifts is fine, but those gifts should reflect a deeper love — one measured by God’s standard, not the world’s. When someone says, “Be my Valentine,” it simply means, “You are loved.”
The greater truth is this: God loves you. His love is not shallow or temporary; it is sacrificial and eternal. The real question is: *Will you be God’s Valentine?* Let us say yes — and love others as Christ has loved us.
DivaLori Cares
