There are various theories and stories about its origins (some associated with pagan rituals of ancient Rome), but who was the original Valentine? What does the name Valentine mean??
Who in the world does not recognize this date? For many people it ends up being a mandatory time in the calendar year to show the value of their relationship with their partner through a prize or a gift. It seems to be a test or a show of approval of the love that was built over time. Today it has become a blurred celebration, which feeds ephemeral desires that do not represent the values of the Lord.
Valentine comes from the Latin Valentinus, which is derived from Valens -"being strong, courageous, great, powerful". In Genesis 10:8-9 we can find a description of a man with these characteristics: “Cush became the father of Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, 'Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.' ”. We are facing a character who challenged God, founding and being the first Lord of Babel as explained in Genesis 10:10-12.
It is therefore interesting and clarifying to know what our Father said about this type of character and about pagan customs or traditions “Thus says the Lord:
“Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are false. A tree from the forest is cut down, and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman.” Jeremiah 10:2-3. The Almighty God is the only one who reigns from the Heavens and guides us with His blessings. The only one who teaches us with His miracles of Faith and His son Jesus, the King of kings, who reincarnated to give us the most important gift we have to treasure in our hearts.
What is it then that we should celebrate on Valentine's Day?
“He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:8
We must celebrate the love that exists between our Heavenly Father, His son Jesus and us, His faithful disciples. Prioritizing that our actions and decisions are aligned with the fundamental pillars of the Holy Spirit and Faith. This union of love results in our relationships growing, directing us towards the destiny of eternal life, united and dedicated to the same purpose.
“Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”. Ephesians 4:3
We must understand that we do not need a celebration or special date to honor our loved ones. Nor should we feel obligated to celebrate the love we feel for one another through a ceremony or a gift. Being able to experience such a powerful and transforming feeling as love, with the clarity of water and the purity of heaven, brings us closer to our destiny of Faith and the Heavenly Father in an extraordinary way.
Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? Malachi 2:10
The message we must keep in our heads from this moment on is clear. This truth that is revealed to us and presented to us sheds light on us and strips away the doubts that invaded our body. Everything that this modern celebration of consumerism and the fleeting seeks to impose, should be set aside, giving priority to a desire of the Heavenly Father. Love your neighbor, accepting them and forgiving their sins. That is the "courage" that strengthens us alongside Jesus, which allows us to be "great" and "powerful" together with the Holy Spirit.