“Saint Valentine”

February 16, 2025

SCRIPTURE LESSON   John 15:12-17 & 1 Cor. 3:7; Rm. 12:1; Phil. 2:3-4

FROM TODAY’S MESSAGE: 

                                 “Saint Valentine”

Background… Saint Valentine (Valentinus) is no longer a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.  He got dropped in 1969 when the Vatican couldn’t prove definitively who he was.

1. Technically, we should have no more Valentine’ Day, no cards, presents, overpriced roses, fattening chocolates.
2. But according to Church Tradition there was a man of God in 3^rd Century Rome named Valentinus.
3. He wasn’t Cupid, didn’t shoot arrows at lovers, nor was he connected to flowers, chocolates, or Hallmark.
4. But he was connected to Jesus Christ.
5. There is a reason I chose this scripture… Valentinus lived it.

4.The Lutherans, Anglicans, and Easter Orthodox still honor him.

1. First, Valentinus was willing to risk his life to bring Jesus Christ to others. He did what Paul said in Romans 12:1 “He presented his life as a living sacrifice.”

Second, Valentinus was loved people like Jesus did. John 15:12-17.

1. He loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. He helped the persecuted. He is associated with love because he officiated at the weddings of those believers who sought the blessing of God on their unions (ah, the Valentine’s Day love connection!)
2. He loved those who did not know Jesus. He knew Christ died for them and sought to introduce them to Jesus.
3. Even the Roman Emperor himself!