Named after one of the early Christian martyrs named Valentinus who was killed on February 14th, Valentine day is an annual holiday celebrating love between intimate companions. The name Valentinus is a derivative of the Latin word ‘valens’ which means ‘strong’ or ‘powerful’. Interestingly, there is a strong and powerful connection between the celebration of love and the two greatest commandments of all, which is to love the Lord and to love man (your neighbor).
Who do we love? i.e., Who is our Valentine?
- God;
thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind, and with ALL thy strength (Mark 12:30)
- Man;
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Mark 12:31)
In other words, God is to be our valentine and so is man!
How do we love?
- By keeping his commandments;
If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15)
How much do we love –
- God?
Totally;
thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind, and with ALL thy strength (Mark 12:30)
- Man?
Sacrificially;
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
Why do we need to love?
- To know God;
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8).
- To show that we are His disciples;
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35)
We are to love to know and show God!
Danish theologian and philosopher, who is accredited to be one of the most eminent Lutheran theologian, Soren Kierkegaard, rightfully quoted “Love is all, it gives all, and it takes all.”
The greatest of ALL is Love (God) and God gave ALL (including His only begotten Son) so that He could take ALL of us (irrespective of who we are or how we have lived). Additionally, it takes all to give all (Total surrender). Our love must be strong and powerful. Think about it!
Mark 12:29-31 (KJV)
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
P.S: Are there other aspects of Love from the Scripture (Holy Bible) that answers the questions posed, If so, kindly share.
