Listen

“As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.”

John 15:9-11

Think

In Rome, over 200 years after Jesus died, Christians were being persecuted by the emperor Claudius II. A priest, named Valentine, continued to preach the gospel, helped Christians escape persecution, and married Christian couples. After he was arrested and imprisoned, Valentine even tried to convert Claudius to Christianity.

Claudius condemned Valentine to death where he was beaten and beheaded on February 14, 269. Years later, the church named Valentine’s Day as a day to celebrate happy marriages, engaged couples, and, of course, love.

Of course, St. Valentine is an extreme example, but we know that love is not always easy. Love is often needed in tough places: standing up for your faith, protecting the vulnerable, and remaining true to your convictions. We see Jesus’ example of love as he cared for his friends, stood up for others, and offered welcome and grace even to those who opposed him. This kind of love takes work, but we don’t work alone. Jesus promises to be with us and commands us to remain in his love so that we might find joy.

Whitney Edwards-Russell

Question to Ponder:

As you celebrate the joy of Valentine’s Day tomorrow, in what ways can you honor the Valentine of years ago who remained in God’s love, who kept God’s commandments, and who celebrated a joy of love and faith that even the worst persecution could not extinguish?

Pray

God, help me to find joy by remaining in your love. Following your ways is not always easy, but you provide a joy through love that is perfect and complete. Amen.

Go

Jesus loves me still today,

walking with me on my way,

wanting as a friend to give

light and love to all who live.

Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.

– Anna B. Warner, “Jesus Loves Me”