Once again we reach that date in mid-February. Some truly embrace it, some bemoan it, some pass it off as “that commercially generated greeting card holiday.”

However, in a society that increasing emphasises “hook-up culture”, it is increasingly important we take time to honour and respect committed love.

Valentine, the guy for which this day is named, actually risked his reputation —indeed, his life — for the sake of committed love.

There are a variety of stories and some conjecture about the origin of Valentine’s Day. There is mystery and unknowns about its inception, who was involved in making it a day of celebration and when in history those commemorations actually began. One conventionally held view is that of a priest or bishop, named Valentine, who lived in the third century. He discreetly married couples despite the decree of the governing authority at the time outlawing marriage.

Emperor Claudius believed that unmarried men made better soldiers for his empire’s army than that of married men. Claudius’ primary preoccupation was to have the strongest army possible — this despite the potential demise of the relational, emotional and societal health of the nation he ruled.

Valentine’s decision to contravene the emperor's decree and to perform wedding ceremonies for these men and women centuries later gave rise to the celebration of romantic love that is remembered on February 14th. 

Sometimes what we call ‘love’ is actually a selfishness. Sometimes what we call ‘love’ is infatuation, or indeed lust. But true love sacrifices. True love gives. True love is patient. True love bears through the tough times and remains steadfast through the ugly times. 

In a MAFS and Tinder world, today let’s pause a moment to celebrate committed, enduring and true love.

“Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

(Msg Paraphrase)

Belinda Tigell is an Australian singer-songwriter, speaker, teacher, worship leader and author. Find her regular blogs on belindatigellministries.com. 
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