Love that is stronger than death

  We know that February is on its way because the displays in the card shops change: Christmas and New Year cards are replaced by Valentine's Day cards.

  Valentine's Day cards are a pretty mixed bunch these days. They range from the suggestive to the sloppy; the humourous to the sickly.

  Somehow, Valentine cards have lost something of that wistful innocence they displayed when they first appeared just over 100 years ago.  Many of them are pretty ‘full on’ in their sexual innuendo and statement.

  As with so many things, the beauty of the original thought - the celebration of human love and tenderness - has become subject to manipulation and profiteering by the retail industry looking to fill the gap between Christmas and Mother's Day.

  Interestingly, the original St Valentine was not remembered for any romantic attachments at all, but for a faithful love of another kind - his love shown to Jesus.  It is believed that St Valentine was martyred under the Roman Emperor Claudius in the third century because of his refusal to forsake his faith.

  It just happened that St Valentine's Day was also the day that birds are supposed to pair and, from that, developed a custom of choosing your partner on that day.

  Sadly, the notion that someone could love God enough to be willing to die for their faith is now overlooked in the celebration of St Valentine's Day.

  On the cards that will be bought by their millions there will be undying expressions of love and commitment being shared, but just how deep is that love?  How far will it go?  Is it as deep as St Valentine's, who was willing to give up his life for the sake of his love for Jesus Christ who, himself, gave up his life because of the Father's love for the whole world?    

  Buying a sentimental card is one thing but experiencing the depth of feeling that it represents is more challenging!

  Jesus said: “My command is love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no-one than this, that they lay down their life for their friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:12-4 NIV)

  As we turn our thoughts to love on Valentine's Day, let us be thankful for all types of love - including human love of affection and companionship - and commit ourselves to being people who truly love.  But above all, let us remember the Divine love of sacrifice and the gift of salvation that is ours through Jesus.

by Graham Clarke.