Valentine’s Day is said to have originated in the Roman Empire during the rule of Emperor Claudius II, known also as Claudius the Cruel. Military service had become unpopular and lack of service lost its stigma. Legend has it that Claudius was under the impression a reason recruitment goals weren’t being met was because Roman men did not want to leave their wives. His remedy was to simply put a moratorium on all marriages.

Valentine, a Christian bishop of Terni, began to secretly marry couples despite the emperor’s orders. It was not long before Valentine’s defiance was discovered, and Claudius sentenced him to death.

One the day he was to be execution, Valentine signed a farewell message to the jailer’s daughter “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that is still used today. He was martyred on February 14 in the year 270.  If the story has any true basis, Valentine’s Day is more about friendship than romantic love.

Jesus loves us so much He was willing to die on a cross for our sins. He promises that whosoever believes in Him will be forgiven of sin and given eternal life. When we are born again we become part of His church, the bride of Christ. He is our Valentine who died for us.

Are you, Christ’s valentine?  You can be if you repent and believe in Him.