An Amazing Fact: Valentine’s Day originated centuries ago, likely from the celebration of at least two different Christian martyrs named “Valentine,” or from Eros in Greek mythology (or a combination of these). The holiday saw an explosion of popularity beginning in the early 19th century and is celebrated in different ways around the world. In parts of Asia, for example, women give chocolate candy to men on February 14. Usually, the men return the favor at a later date.

The Greatest Love
Whatever the holiday’s true origins, it is now a vast commercial enterprise on which people hope to be remembered. People long to receive gifts on the day commemorating “love”—even a simple card or a handwritten note—because it shows that someone cares about them.

Of course, love—genuine love—involves much more than giving and receiving material gifts. It involves a constant flow of kind deeds, encouraging words, and selfless acts. Love should be celebrated and practiced every day. The Scriptures tell us to “Love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22). And Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

The most impressive instance of love is not found in the mythical exploits of Eros or even in the sacrifices of the Valentine martyrs. The greatest example of love, by far, is found in Christ who sacrificed Himself for the ungrateful and ungodly, giving everyone an opportunity to be saved. And that is the priceless gift He offers especially to you every day.

Key Bible Text: “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 37:3–6).

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