Now Concerning Valentine, Should Christians Celebrate It?

My name is Apostle Adolphas Chibanda. After having done my own research on the just ended Valentine’s day I felt very much compelled to give my own piece of mind. After all everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. I believe you will be blessed as you scroll down.

The origin of Valentine's Day is unclear. February 14 is listed on the Calendar of Saints in both the Anglican and Lutheran churches. The Roman Catholic Church no longer lists Saint Valentine's Day on its official calendar and, instead, has made it a local celebration. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Valentine's Day, but in July. There are several Saint Valentines associated with February 14, but it seems the tradition revolves largely around Valentine of Rome.

It is said that Valentine of Rome was a Christian martyr, killed on February 14, 496 under the direction of Emperor Claudius II of Rome. It is an undeniable fact that several stories about his persecution exist. One is that during general persecution of Christians, Valentine of Rome was interviewed personally by Emperor Claudius II for sentencing. Evidently Claudius II was impressed by Valentine and offered that if Valentine converted to paganism his life could be spared. Rather than convert, Valentine is said to have attempted to convert Claudius to Christianity which resulted in him receiving the death penalty. Before he was executed, Valentine is thought to have performed a healing miracle for the jailer's blind daughter, Julia. Some also say that Valentine wrote a letter to Julia before he was executed, signed "Your Valentine."

Now Concerning Valentine, Should Christians Celebrate It? 

Emperor Claudius II believed that single men were good soldiers and because of this he forbade man to marry. Based on this another tradition suggests that Valentine performed weddings for these soldiers and the result was Valentine being jailed. Valentine was jailed and supposedly those whom he had married passed him notes and flowers in jail. Also while in jail he fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Before he was executed, he is said to have written her a love letter signed, "Your Valentine."
These days Valentine's Day is celebrated as a romantic holiday that includes exchanging of cards, chocolates, flowers and gifts. The dress code compromising mainly of the color red. It is true that these celebrations vary depending on the country. For some single persons wishing to be married, Valentine's Day is viewed as a hurtful reminder of their undesired relationship status. For others, both single and married, Valentine's is simply a day to express love to all manner of friends and family.

My conclusion is this: There are many positive things to be said about celebrating love for one another. Whilst there is absolutely nothing wrong with expressing love through cards and gifts on a specific day of the year, it is best to express love every day and every time. We should also express our love for one another throughout the year and in a variety of ways. Christians can apply the principles found in Romans 14:5, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."