Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13
There are a number of traditions associated with Valentine's Day, and getting to the actual facts of the observance can be a challenge. Some sources say that the day was set aside in 469 A.D., by Pope Gelasius to honor Saint Valentine. However, the exact identity of the saint is less certain. One tradition holds that a Roman emperor banned soldiers from marrying, and that Saint Valentine took issue with this decree. He then became an advocate of the soldiers and was eventually executed due to his outspokenness. Another tradition holds that Saint Valentine was arrested for his faith in Christ and sentenced to death. Before his execution he sent a note to a loved one and signed it, "From your Valentine." Of the two possibilities we would probably hold to the latter one with greater devotion, for it moves our hearts to think of someone courageous enough to consider another as the hour of his own death approached.
For followers of Christ, we do well to consider that kind of sacrificial attitude. Jesus said that there is love, but there is a greater love - the kind that is willing to sacrifice one's very life for another. Would we be able, were some set of circumstances warrant it, to lay down our lives for someone else? I have no doubt that I would willingly do that for my wife, my sons, my little grandson, my brother, sister, or my parents, as well as some dear friends. Jesus said that this is indeed the greatest and most powerful expression of love. But what about those with whom I have no emotional connection? What about an enemy? Would I die for such a person? The Lord Jesus did just that. He laid down His life for the world - any and all who are willing to put their faith in Him. That sacrifice remains in effect. The Lord still holds open the door to any and all people who will by faith receive Him as Savior and Lord - and that irregardless of whether or not they were once His enemy or His friend. Such love defies human reason and contradicts the world's ideas about who is worthy of receiving such a supreme sacrifice.
Remember also that sacrificial love is applied to our lives on a day-to-day basis. The Bible speaks in Romans 12:1 of Jesus' followers living each day as "living sacrifices." The idea is that every day we go forth in the world having died to the old way we used to live with all our self-centeredness, selfishness, and bitterness. We have sacrificed our will in favor of God's will, and as a result we have become new creations in Christ Jesus. No longer are we burdened by the hatred, sin, and evil that once kept us enslaved. The chains of those dark forces fell powerless behind us by the overwhelming love of Christ. Having been rid of such a burden, we are now free to walk forward in the abundant life to which the Lord has called us.
People everywhere today are sending out Valentines. Have you bought one for your spouse or significant other? Time may be running out, but if you hurry you may find a few left at the store. In the meantime, send out a message everywhere that Christ is love and that there is salvation and hope in Him.
