And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV
In less than a week, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Even though the holiday has become secularized, Valentine’s Day has Christian roots.
According to Wikipedia, “Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine originated as a Western Christian feast day honoring early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.” In AD 496, Pope Gelasius I established the Feast of Saint Valentine to honor Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. In addition to Valentine of Rome, Valentine of Terni is also honored on February 14.
There are a number of martyrdom stories associated with the different Saint Valentines. Saint Valentine of Rome ministered to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer, and it was that he wrote a letter to her signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell before his execution. An 18th-century story “posits that Saint Valentine performed weddings for Christian soldiers who were forbidden to marry” (Wikipedia).
“The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran Church. Many parts of the Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day on July 6” (Wikipedia).
At Love Speaks Daily, Valentine’s Day is one of our favorites. It’s the perfect day to not only share romantic love, but it is also an opportunity for us to share God’s love with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. As one committed to the power of love, Love Speaks Daily would like to share a blessing of love with you and pray that the power of love manifests daily in your life. Feel free to share this prayer and blessing with others.
May God’s love infuse your heart and mind without measure.May God’s love infuse your words and actions without end.
May God’s love guide you along life’s way.
May God’s love keep you each and every day.
May you love in as many ways as possible.
May you experience love in as many ways as possible.
May your love cast away all hate.
May your love do nothing but justice.
May your love wash away all unforgiveness.
May you see love in neighbors near and far.
May you see love no matter where you are.
When in doubt or filled with fear, may God’s love become your substance and evidence.
When in pain or grieved with loss, may God’s love become your balm and constant friend.
When overflowed in blessings and joy, may God’s love be your impetus to share.
May you never forget the greatest love of all, the man who died so you feel God’s always near.
In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.