Oluwamayowa Adeniyi
“When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse they say is inevitable”
Myles Munroe
The fourteenth day in February of every year is known to be Valentine’s Day. It’s a day that is widely celebrated in the world except for some countries that banned it because of their religious sentiments.
Valentine’s Day is a day attributed to the commercial celebration of romantic love across the world. Originally, it stemmed out as a Christian holiday because certain people, who were saints, were believed to have been martyred and that day was chosen as a day to celebrate their remembrance.
St. Valentine’s Day was well adopted by the western countries but frowned at by Muslim communities because they believe it’s a Christian holiday. It is not a public holiday in any part of the world; it’s just a day where red roses, chocolates, love cards and gifts are exchanged among couples or friends after the close of work.
However, in recent times, the Anglican Church held a service for St. Valentine’s Day (the Feast of the Saint Valentine) which includes the optional rite of the renewal of marriage vows. Hence, Valentine’s Day celebration became a cultural and commercial celebration of love which the western world largely supported.
Based on history, there has been no trace of sexual immorality attributed to the celebration of Valentine’s Day but in recent times, it has become a special day designated for the celebration of immorality.
Valentine’s Day has no root in Africa. I suppose it’s part of the culture the white men handed over to us as Africans during the colonial days. Although it may not have been celebrated then because a slave could not exercise his own liberty in bonds.
Should Christians be part of its celebration?
Being in love is a beautiful thing, but what kind of love should be expressed on a day like this? Should love have a special day for its expression?
“I love you” will be professed to many today with a motive that is intended to lure them into immorality. Many will lose their sexual dignity on a platform of lies and deception only to realize that it was lust in expression.
God’s kind of love has no special day for its recognition or celebration; it is to be expressed at all times. Love doesn’t put your life in a mess; it seeks to make your life better.
Let no one profess love to you with deceptive words, a peck or kiss, exchange of love cards, chocolates, candies or cakes with an evil intent. Love must be expressed in godly deeds and it must be truthful.
Christian couples might choose to renew their commitment to love in their relationship on any given day not necessarily on Valentine’s Day. Are singles left out? You too may decide to celebrate love among your friends with no ulterior motives on any given day but if the appearance of evil is felt, flee as the Holy Bible warns.
Before you’d follow the multitude to do what they’re doing on a day like this, is it really worth it? Are you doing it with no sinister motive?
Will God be pleased to see how you’d express love?