Happy True to Valentine’s Day
fi*del*i*Tea /fəˈdelədē/ n. 1.faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support, 2. sexual faithfulness to a spouse or partner, 3. Drinking only variations of Camellia sinensis (white tea, black tea, green tea, and oolong are variations of the actual tea plant. Camomile, hibiscus, mint, or any other herb are not).
Some people enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day; others loathe it. The world drowns in the tears of jaded lovers and betrayed spouses. Broken homes and single parents leave children rattled and wondering if there’s any such thing as true love, the kind that doesn’t cheat and abandon us.
Just forty-four years before Constantine legalized Christianity, the previous emperor of Rome, Claudius Gothicus (Claudius II), ordered the execution of Saint Valentine on February 14, 269. What incited the wrath of Claudius II? Valentine’s fidelity to Jesus. Valentine refused to quit evangelizing. Tradition also credits him with the marriages of Christians during a time when Christians were denied the right to marriage by Rome.
Valentine knew God’s faithful love and willingly laid down his life to remain faithful to the Christ who died to save us all. Maybe you’re a jaded lover or a betrayed spouse. Perhaps you’re a lonely single who hates Valentine’s Day because you find yourself yet again without a beau. But let me encourage you in the reality of Who Jesus is. He is love (1 John 4:8). He is Semper Fidelis (Latin for always faithful). Jesus will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
This year let’s show our fidelity to the Lord by embracing Saint Valentine’s spirit of sharing the love of Christ with others. Let’s get a good Gospel pedicure and bring good news to those around us who are desperate for God’s forgiveness and love.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
It’s nice to enjoy romance on Valentine’s Day, but it’s really not about that. We celebrate Valentine (the saint) because he displayed fidelity; that’s worth celebrating.
Let’s enjoy celebrating God’s love and faithfulness. Who could you send a Gospel-laced Valentine to this year?