Should Christians be concerned with celebrating Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day has no importance attached to it in the Bible. Or does it?

History is a tad murky about how and why we celebrate Valentine’s Day. It does seem to be clear that Valentine lived in third-century Rome. As a Christian, he ministered the love of God to others and promoted romantic love.

While the Bible does not mention Valentine’s Day, it does promote love.

It specifically endorses romantic love between a husband and wife. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with giving and receiving cards, flowers, sweets, and other assorted gifts.

My only precaution for adults is to be sure you don’t give a Valentine to another person’s spouse. I believe Saint Valentine would disagree with using his name to promote unhealthy emotional attachments that lead to sexual sin. Most importantly for the Christian, Christ would not be pleased with that motivation either.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is another one of the many items in our culture where we can apply Romans 14. Verses 4 & 5 are among my favorites from that chapter.

“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.”

There’s a lot of good meaty and practical in that chapter. If you haven’t lately, I’d recommend you pause and read through it slowly.

Will I be celebrating Valentine’s Day?

You better believe it!

My Valentine has been the same girl for over three decades. Lisa’s birthday is two days before Christmas and one day after our firstborn’s birthday. So it can get a little less attention than it deserves. For me, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are good opportunities to make up for what I might have been lacking. She’s endured a lot with me in our many years of ministry. So, I don’t worry that I’ll somehow spoil her. She deserves it.

Here’s a pro tip for you men.

The women in your life should never wonder if you love them. Their feeling of worth and beauty should come from you, not social media or some stranger. It’s your sacred duty to communicate your love and appreciation for them in a way that they understand and receive. As a father, I still buy my married daughter a small bouquet of flowers every Valentine’s Day. It’s a tradition I started when she was in elementary school.

Husbands, buy the card, chocolates, and flowers if that’s what it takes. Take the weekend trip if that makes her feel loved. Spend some undistracted time with her for several hours or book her a day at the spa. Maybe it’s a short list of projects around the house that she wants you to do. You can do this!

Life is short. So go ahead and enjoy some godly fun with your Valentine!

I sure plan to.

Lisa, will you be my Valentine?