Do You Know the Legend of Valentine?

Did You know?

According to Roman legend, Valentinus was imprisoned for his Christian beliefs and sentenced to death during the third century. While jailed, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter. The night before he died, Valentinus wrote a farewell note to the girl, which he signed, “From Your Valentine.” His sentence was carried out the next day, Feb. 14, 269 A.D.

Then, hundreds of years later, in fifth-century Rome, people honored Juno, the pagan goddess of love and marriage, on Feb. 14. During the celebration, men would draw women’s names and court them for marriage. (It’s more detailed than this, but for the sake of space, we will end here.)

And finally, around 498 A.D., Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day to honor the martyr Valentinus and to end the pagan celebration.

St. Valentine’s Legacy

Though much of Valentine’s life remains uncertain, his legacy as a champion of love and faith endures. He is remembered not only for romantic love but also for selfless, sacrificial love—the kind of love Christ modeled.

1849 Esther Howland of Worcester, Mass., published the first American Valentine.

What Can We Learn from St. Valentine?

• Love is an act of courage – Valentine risked his life to uphold the sanctity of marriage and Christian faith.
• True love is sacrificial – He showed love through service, healing, and standing for truth, even at great personal cost.
• Love extends beyond romance – While Valentine’s name is associated with romantic love today, his example teaches us to love deeply in all relationships—with God, family, and others.

More importantly, what does the Bible say about love?

1 Corinthians 13: The Chapter of Love

1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible, often referred to as the “Love Chapter.” Written by the Apostle Paul, this chapter beautifully describes the nature, importance, and enduring power of love, especially in the Christian life.

The Supremacy of Love (Verses 1-3)

Paul begins by emphasizing that without love, even the greatest spiritual gifts and acts of faith are meaningless. He states that speaking in tongues, prophesying, possessing deep knowledge, or even sacrificing one’s life is worthless if not done with love. This highlights that love is the foundation of all Christian actions and service.

The Characteristics of Love (Verses 4-7)

Paul then describes what true love looks like:

• Love is patient and kind.
• It does not envy, boast, or act arrogantly.
• Love is not rude, self-seeking, or easily angered.
• It does not rejoice in wrongdoing but in truth.
• Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.

This passage presents a selfless, Christ-like love that goes beyond emotions—it is an active choice to serve and care for others.

The Enduring Nature of Love (Verses 8-13)

Paul concludes by stating that love never fails. Unlike spiritual gifts, which will pass away, love is eternal. He declares that faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love.

Ministry life can be difficult. Only the love of Christ will see us through. Let us love as Christ has loved us.

This Valentine’s Day, beyond the chocolates and flowers, may we be inspired by St. Valentine’s devotion to God and his unwavering love for others. ❤️