Oakwood Church Fresh Start Women's Devotional Encouragement for Today Hartland Delafield

Back to the “Heart” of Valentine’s Day
By Karen D’Amore

“We love because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:19

Looking beyond the roses, candy in heart-shaped boxes, and heart-embellished cards, the true meaning of Valentine’s Day lies hidden in the shadows of commercialized traditions.

Saint Valentine was a Roman Christian who was martyred during the third century A.D. for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ. Imprisoned for not worshipping Caesar, he continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. Valentine was sentenced to death after being instrumental in winning 46 converts for Christ from within the prison walls. On the eve of his execution he wrote a note to be delivered to the jailer’s daughter, signing it, “From your Valentine.”

The tradition of sending “love notes” on Valentine’s Day was inspired by this true story. It’s sadly ironic that the cards we send have become the emphasis, rather than focusing on the content of the original note. Valentine’s message reflected his unconditional devotion to Christ, even in the face of death by execution.

At this time of the year, I am reminded of the ultimate Valentine message. It wasn’t written with pen and paper, but with the sacrifice of flesh and blood. The inscription on the outside reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” The words on the inside read, “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners; Christ died for us.”

Married, single, widowed or betrothed…God loves you and wants you to be His Valentine. His love is unlike the world’s love: a rose that will wither…candy that will melt or rot…the flimsy paper of a greeting card. God’s all-giving love was and is willing to suffer and die for deliverance.

Will you be God’s Valentine? Will you remember the first Valentine and follow his example of unconditional devotion to Christ? Let’s rejoice and bask in God’s love today…and everyday. Let’s find a quiet place to curl up with His Word and read His precious love notes to us. This Valentine’s Day, instead of sending Hallmark…let’s become an extension of God’s loving arms, and offer a heart in-scripted with His love.

GOING DEEPER:
1. God’s love invitation to the world is BE MINE…have you received that invitation? If not, consider accepting today.
2. How can you extend God’s love to a friend, acquaintance or perhaps the unlovable?

FURTHER READING:
Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 85:7; Psalm 103:17; Psalm 36:7; Psalm 52:8

Married to husband Dan, Karen manages Intrigue Salon & Spa, is the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study, and co-leads a freshman girls’ small group.