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"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." I John 3:16
As tradition states, "Valentine" or Valentinus was a Christian priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius, known as Claudius the Cruel, was interested in keeping hold of the Empire. He declared all Christian's illegal citizens and guilty of treason. He forbade marriages and cancelled engagements to raise an army of men with no ties to home. He desired unattached fighting men to preserve his throne and power.
Young lovers would come to have Valentinus conduct secret marriages. He could not deny them this ceremony before God. Valentine was a true romantic. He knew that conversion to the Kingdom of God was an everlasting relationship, as Christian marriage is to be. He risked his life for others.
The emperor heard of the secret marriages and had Valentine arrested and thrown in prison. Another version foretold that he befriended the blind daughter of his jailer who served him in jail. Valentine healed the girl and converted the jailer to Christ. When Emperor Claudius heard of this miracle and conversion he had Valentine beheaded on February 14, 269 AD. In his final note to the jailers daughter he signed, "Your Valentine."
By the Middle Ages St. Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. It was only in the 17th Century that Valentine cards were popularized. Today, we  exchange Valentine's, chocolates, candy, balloons, and roses on this holiday. Yet, understand that the path of love often includes hardship and suffering. In living there will be unfairness, unfulfilled longings, loneliness and love—love more powerful than a tyrant's sword, lasting through time and eternity.
Prayer: Help us Lord to live and to love with the same heart-felt passion that you have shown toward us. Amen!
Rev. James Conley
Pastor
First Baptist Church
Delta, CO
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