1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

When I did my initial draft for this blog, my intention was to post it for Valentine’s Day. Somehow it got lost in the shuffle and has just resurfaced. Nevertheless I am going to share the story of Saint Valentine with you because as far as I am concerned, we can and should examine our capacity to love any day of the year.

Although the true origin of Valentine’s Day is little known, the tale goes something like this: On February 14, in the year 270 A.D. an elderly Christian preacher named Valentinus was martyred for his faith in Christ under the Roman Empire Claudius II. Prior to this while Valentinus was in jail, the prison commander had brought his blind daughter Julia to be taught by him. On the night before his execution he penned a note to her which he signed “From your Valentine”. For his love of God he was regarded as “Saint”. Later, in 496 A.D. the then Pope marked February 14 as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom. So, indeed, Valentine’s Day denotes a love with the purest of motives.

So even though it might not be Valentine’s Day when you are reading this, ask yourself, “Do I really love the ones to whom I give gifts or make other gestures of deep affection or am I faking it? Be totally honest. Is the recipient of your card and/or gift(s) someone whom you love enough that you would be willing to give your life to protect him/her? I dare you to confess that face to face with the one(s) you love and see what happens.

Now just think about the fact that God loves you like that! He sent his Son to give his life for you! That makes it possible for you to be his child. What matchless love! How do you respond? Just accept it. Let God’s love overwhelm you today, no matter what your circumstances are. Don’t try to figure out whether you deserve it just thank him for loving you like that. Find words – let your gratitude flow for a few minutes. That is the effect of redeeming love, true love. Praise the Lord!