I want to make a challenge to you – take love out of the “valentine’s day box.”  What do I mean?  I’m talking about loving far beyond chocolate candies, cheezy cards, and romantic dates.  Am I against these things?  By no means!  Actually, I’m quite partial to all of the above.  I’ve even been known to write a poem for the love of my life on more than one occasion or to embarass myself for the sake of expressing my love to her.  Romance is GREAT; but love is so much more for those who know Jesus as Lord of our lives!

Valentine’s Day began with an expression of love bigger than most of us ever experience in our lives.  Although stories vary a bit depending on your source, one historical account goes like this:

“Valentinus was the name of a young man who lived in Rome during the reign of Claudius II when Christians were being persecuted. Although he was not a Christian, he helped them, but he was caught and put into prison. In prison he became a believer in Jesus. Because of this, Valentinus was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs, stoned and finally beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269. After his death, this gate was known as Porta Valentini. While he was in prison he sent messages to his friends saying, “Remember your Valentine!” and “I love you.”

St. Valentine died because he gave his life in love for others.  That’s what I mean by taking your love out of the “Valentine’s Day box”!!  Don’t change your plans that you’ve labored over for weeks…or have rushed to make happen in the last 24 hours!  And if you are hating this particular holiday for whatever reason, this challenge works for you to.

What can you do to lay your life down for someone in love…not just today but every day?  Romance your spouse, yes; but how can you make some changes to  sacrificially love your spouse?  So you’re single.  Take some time to reflect on how you can love friends and coworkers, fellow Christians and unbelievers by laying your life down for them.  Maybe you’ve been married so long that your spouse doesn’t even expect you to sacrifice for her/him because you haven’t for so long.  Here’s a thought – surprise them with more than a box of chocolates this weekend. 

 And for the record, as I type these words I’m trying to apply them to my own life and relationships, just like you.  What does it mean to take love out of the “Valentine’s day box” with my wife, my two kids, as I serve the Bethel family, as I love my family in other states, as I go to Wal-Mart or the Fayette Mall?  I don’t have all the answers, but I’m certainly going to be looking.

How about you?  What does it mean to YOU to take love out of the “Valentine’s Day box”?  Post your comments and share with me the creative ways you’ve responded to the challenge.