If someone told you that our contemporary Valentine's Day was rooted in an ancient ruler's need to recruit soldiers for battle, a subsequent ban on the bond of holy matrimony, and the execution of a priest named Valentine, well, one might wonder where the flowers and the box of candy fit in!
In this one-session study for adults, we'll explore the fascinating origins of Valentine's Day, reflect on different kinds of love we experience in our lives, and consider how to grow in Christlike love.
For some people, especially children, Valentine's Day is a lighthearted celebration of friendship. For some, it is a time to celebrate and give thanks for their partners in a romantic relationship. But for others it is a painful reminder that they are not involved in the kind of romantic relationship they long for.
While the status of Valentine's Day as a Christian holiday may be tenuous, February 14th is certainly an appropriate time for us to reflect on all kinds of love within the context of our faith.