In the quiet embrace of February, where the chill still clings to the air, we find a day of celebration that warms the heart—St. Valentine’s Day. Its tale is steeped in courage and love, tracing back to a noble figure, Saint Valentine.
As the story goes, in ancient Rome, during the rule of Emperor Claudius II, marriage was forbidden for young men. The emperor believed that unwed soldiers fought with more ferocity if their hearts were unburdened by marriage. Saint Valentine emerged as a figure of bold resistance; he conducted secret Christian marriages, uniting couples even as the oppressive laws sought to keep them apart.
But Valentine’s legacy is marked by more than clandestine weddings; it is also touched by tales of the miraculous. During one fateful trial, Valentine found himself before Judge Asterius, who dared him to prove the power and truth of Jesus. Valentine accepted this daunting challenge and turned it into an opportunity. He restored the sight of Asterius’s blind daughter as a testament to divine healing. When he succeeded, Asterius was struck with awe.
In the face of the undeniable miracle, Asterius shattered the idols that once adorned his home and embarked on a spiritual journey of fasting for three days. On the third day, Asterius, along with his newly sighted daughter and his entire household—over 44 souls in all— lowered themselves into the waters of baptism, reborn in spirit. The legend of Saint Valentine continues to inspire, reminding us of love’s enduring power. What a story – read more about St. Valentine, click here.
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While you give flowers, chocolate and gifts to family and friends and scatter words of love, you should also pause and let the deeper truth surface. You are also cherished by the One whose love knows no bounds. God’s love cradles you in your moments of triumph and holds you firm in your hours of need. Today, know that you are unconditionally and eternally loved by God.
Unconditional Love
God’s love doesn’t hinge on your achievements, not on how many kind deeds you’ve managed to perform, nor on your worthiness in the eyes of others. God’s love flows like a generous fountain—unending and without condition. Nothing can pry you away from His steadfast love, nothing can separate you from God’s love. Knowing this is like an anchor in life’s fiercest storms.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 ESV
In other words, absolutely nothing, whether natural on this earth or supernatural, could ever cause God to stop loving you.
Personal Love
God’s love is not aloof; it is as personal as your heartbeat. Just read through Psalm 139. King David whispers of an intimacy scarcely comprehensible. God has seen you from the womb and counts each hair on your head. He sees the struggles that keep you awake at night and knows the dreams you cradle dear. He knows every nuance of your being: your personality and habits. He knows the thoughts you wrestle with in the quiet and the joys that burst forth from your soul. He’s traveled with you down every rugged and painful path. You are deeply cherished by the One who crafted you.
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether”. Psalm 139:1-4 ESV (read more)
Transformational Love
The love of God is transformational – His love doesn’t leave you unchanged. The love of God transforms, like a bitter winter landscape, to a warm, flourishing landscape full of life. As you receive God’s free gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes into your heart—renewing, restoring, and reshaping you into person who mirror Jesus. Despite our human weaknesses, the Holy Spirit’s presence can teach you to love bravely, forgive generously, and grow spiritually. God has an infinite reservoir of love that He is pouring into us, enabling us to extend that same love to others
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 ESV
Eternal Love
God’s love is eternal; it is not just something that you experience in this life, but it extends into eternity. His love is forever – it outlasts monuments and transcends dimensions in time. His love wraps around the edges of time, a promise of heaven; a gift that is perpetual and unwavering.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV
Sacrificial Love
On the cross, grace unfolded. For out of God’s love, He yielded His only Son, creating a bridge for mankind to reach heaven. God knew man would fall into sin, sending Jesus on a rescue mission to save us. The ultimate proof of God’s love was demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down His life so you could have the opportunity to be with Him in heaven.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV
God’s love is intentional, unconditional, personal, transformational, eternal, and sacrificial. If you don’t feel loved today know that God loves you; it is a strong love that whispers your name through eternity.
