The original “Valentine” was a Catholic priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius passed a law that soldiers could not marry during their military service so they would not be distracted. However, Valentine secretly performed weddings when Christian couples asked him to. He also would not renounce his Christian faith to worship Claudius as part of Rome’s Emperor Cult.

During Valentine’s imprisonment, he led many to faith in Christ, including his jailer. His prayer for the jailer’s blind daughter restored her sight. Since Valentine couldn’t be “stopped,” Claudius had him beheaded on February 14, 269 A.D.  His name was given to Valentin’s Day ever since and associated with devoted love.

However, Valentine’s Day represents much more than romantic love.

Out of all possible action verbs, John 3:16 says “God so LOVED the world that he gave…” That was His sole motivation. Salvation bought and paid for in the broadest terms. Available to everyone.

A friend posted the above awesome graphic on Facebook which seals the John 3:16 application for me. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone, celebrating the greatest love of all!The original “Valentine” was a Catholic priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius passed a law that soldiers could not marry during their military service so they would not be distracted. However, Valentine secretly performed weddings when Christian couples asked him to. He also would not renounce his Christian faith to worship Claudius as part of Rome’s Emperor Cult

During Valentine’s imprisonment, he led many to faith in Christ, including his jailer. His prayer for the jailer’s blind daughter restored her sight. Since Valentine couldn’t be “stopped,” Claudius had him beheaded on February 14, 269 A.D.  His name was given to Valentin’s Day ever since and associated with devoted love.

However, Valentine’s Day represents much more than romantic love.

Out of all possible action verbs, John 3:16 says “God so LOVED the world that he gave…” That was His sole motivation. Salvation bought and paid for in the broadest terms. Available to everyone.

A friend posted the above awesome graphic on Facebook which seals the John 3:16 application for me. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone, celebrating the greatest love of all!