More than 2000 years ago, Jehovah the Love sent the Son of His Love to die for the world He loves so much. That was the first Valentine ever! It was this genuine example of love, shown by God in Christ that several disciples followed thereafter. And most of the first century believers gave their live as martyrs for the love of the One who first laid His live to show His Love. The human family was so rebellious, but in the midst of that rebellion, Jehovah the love took the greatest risk. He gave His only Son in sacrifice to redeem us from our rebellious nature. And now, we can love because of that love. Only love can give birth to love. Only love can make a miracle! Only love can change the rebellious into obedient. Among other martyrs who followed the love of Christ is the one or several Saint Valentine, who became a martyr or martyrs for the gospel of Christ.

Valentine day is celebrated in remembrance of the sacrificial love of those saints. Valentine is a celebration of love but it is sad that most of those who celebrate valentine today do not really understand what true love is. Many have thought that love is just a feeling you have for someone which could easily go away. But the love that gave birth to Valentine is not a mere weak feeling; it is a decision! It is a sacrificial love that made the lover to give up everything for the loved. This love moved the early disciples and many of them chose to give their live for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The saints who gave their live as martyrs loved not their lives unto death (Rev.12:11).  The Bible said that the world was not worthy of them because they loved and sacrificed overmuch. “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth (Heb.11:37-38).

As we celebrate Valentine, let us never forget that the reason we can love is because God first loved us. We should not forget His love that changed the world and we should try as much as we can to do something this season that will tell His gospel of love to the world. Let us celebrate the love that has no ending, the love that never pass away, the love without deceit, the love that never gives up, the unconditional love of God in Christ. He never ask us to do anything to merit eternal life, He only ask us to believe in Him who has done everything. The measurement for true love is sacrifice!

“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” (John 3:16).

HAPPY VALENTINE!!!