Happy Valentine's Day

The origin of Valentine's Day isn't agreed upon by historians.

Some experts say it actually originated with St. Valentine, a Roman martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other versions of the story say that St. Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

Give a Broken Heart this Valentine's Day

Huhh? you say. When we think of Valentine's Day we often think of hearts. If we are blessed, we think of the sweet love of someone dear. Others, however, mourn over a heart that has been broken.

How does our passion for God display itself?

Do we busy ourselves in Christian service?

Do we painstakingly count our tithe, making sure we give precisely ten percent and no more?

Do we wear the brazen Christian t-shirt so everyone will know we are a Christian?

We do, we say, we act, we show... but do we mourn?

Yes, mourn.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines contrite as, "Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses; penitent."

We sometimes think that God delights solely in all our efforts and sacrifice. The psalmist paints a different picture, however. God delights in a broken and contrite heart.

I think sometimes we do all the other things so that we don't have to focus on our sin and how utterly broken we are. God sees through all of this and it saddens Him.

There is no amount of Christian service, tithes, or any other thing that will cover the sin that resides in our heart.

God doesn't want your chocolate hearts, your little candy hearts with endearing words, or even your food for the masses.

He wants a broken and contrite heart for Valentine's Day and every day.

Will you give it to Him?

For God so loV ed the world,

That He gA ve
His onL y
BegottE n
SoN
T hat whosoever
Believeth I n Him
Should N ot perish,
But have E verlasting life."John 3:16