LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Today is Valentine's Day. Some historians state that this day originated from Valentinus, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. He died on February 14, 269 AD, the same day that had previously been devoted to love lotteries on the Roman calendar.

There is a legend that Valentinus left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentinus". Other legends say that a man named Valentinus served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius and was jailed for defying the Emperor. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine, who has since been disignated patron saint of lovers. February 14 eventually became the date for sending love cards, messages, poems, flowers or candy to loved ones.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first Valentine cards, and commercial Valentines were introduced in the late 1800's. The town of Loveland, Colorado, has a very busy post office around February 14. Some local Colorado stores have boxes where people (my wife included) can deposit their Valentine cards which are then sent to the Loveland post office to receive their attractive Valentine's Day postmark. Grade school students usually exchange Valentines, handmade or commercial, with sentimental thoughts and sometimes candy attached.

Jesus urged His disciples in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” It really was a new command, because the prevailing attitude of the day was retribution - if someone hits you, hit him back! An eye for an eye! Jesus showed His followers a new way, one that brings peace among people, not more conflict. God's love for us in Jesus is the best gift we can give or receive on this day.

The greatest love is the willingness to sacrifice one's self for others.