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It seems that there is little Christian about the way our culture looks at February 14th - St. Valentine's Day, but it is a day named for a Christian martyr from the third century. The miracles of the story may or may not have happened, but either way it is about a godly man who courageously died for his faith in Jesus Christ.
Valentinus lived in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. At that time is was a crime to be a Christian which lead to Valentinus' arrest and imprisonment. The jailer recognized that Valentinus was an educated man and asked him if he could teach his blind daughter, Julia. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. They spent hours together as Valentinus taught Roman history and described nature and the world to Julia.
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Valentinus also talked about faith in Jesus and one day Julia asked if God really answered prayer. Julia asked Valentinus to pray for her that she might see. As they prayed, there was a brilliant light in the jail cell and Julia was miraculously given her sight.
On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote Julia a letter encouraging her to keep the faith and he signed it, "From your Valentine." It is believed that he was executed for his faith on February 14, 270 AD.
Be reminded that "love comes from God" and "God is love" (I John 4:7,8). The world can only imitate and distort true love. May we never settle for the shallow understanding of love that our society portrays, when we serve the author of true love. May God's love encourage you this Valentine's Day!
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