For some it is a day of love, for others it is a day of loathing. Either way, February 14th, Valentine’s Day, is here. Do not worry. I’m not here to debunk conspiracy theories that Valentine’s Day was created by greeting card companies. I will also avoid any concerns that greeting cards contribute to man-made global warming. Instead, I wish to focus on whether Valentine’s Day is biblical.
Search “Valentine’s Day origins” on the web and chance are you will come across blogs and articles from Christians. I understand why. (You may even find a podcast.) Valentine’s Day is a time when you express your love to someone. It could be expressed in the form of candy. It could be in a card. It could be anything that contributes to the National Retail Federation’s estimate of the $18.2 billion Americans will spend this Valentine’s Day.
Whatever the gift or gesture, people show their love, affection, and devotion to someone other than God on and around Valentine’s Day. At first glance, that’s not biblical:
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).
If we love God with all our being, does that leave room to love people? And yet, we also read Jesus commanding:
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
“These things I command you, that ye love one another” (John 15:17).
I think what this boils down to is context. Love, as I have tried to explain in previous articles for Engage and OneMillionDads does not always mean the same thing. For example, people “make love” because of an attraction based on sexual desire. Meanwhile, I “love” my wife, meaning I have a strong affection for another based on personal ties, and I express that love by having unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for her. God loves us in this way (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9). Speaking of the Almighty, we love God by doing what He says.
I get that there is a concern, and I would rather be cautious than careless on issues dealing with the Church. Still, the Bible does not give us clear direction on most holidays, February 14th or otherwise. This Valentine’s Day, be a man or woman after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). At the same time, love others. Don’t forget to include your valentine.
