“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:7
Everyone is busy preparing for valentine’s day where chocolates, flowers, stuff toys, and valentine’s cards can be seen anywhere. For some people it’s a time to be happy where they can spend time with their loved ones including family and friends; celebrating the joy of loving and being loved. On the other hand, it is the time where some people are sad for another year has passed, yet they are still single. Being single lead them to become bitter and made them realize that it’s just another cold valentine celebration once again. Lastly, some people doesn’t care as if it’s just a normal day. But haven’t you ever wondered how the celebration started?
St. Valentine is the patron saint of engaged couples, happy marriages, and love. He is a Roman Priest who served during the third century in Rome. It is said that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families. In line with the said hypothesis, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men. St. Valentine realized the injustice of the said decree that’s why he still continued to perform marriages for young lovers secretly. When he was caught, Claudius ordered that he must be put to death.
Struggles and problems are part of every relationship; these makes the relationship better and stronger. An epitome would be a relationship having misunderstanding, lack of time and communication, and inability to compromise. But with patience, trust, and love, the couple will surpass these challenges making them strong enough to face whatever life throws at them. Also, there will be times that somebody will oppose your relationship, but if your relationship is strong enough, no one will break your love for each other. As what 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
There’s nothing to worry about being single; you will still be happy even though you are single. You’re not alone because your family and friends are always there for you. It might be not a romantic love you expect, but at least you experienced being loved. This just prove that you don’t need a girlfriend or boyfriend to feel the love.
Celebrating Valentine’s day is not about receiving balloons, chocolates, flowers or having a date at an expensive restaurant. These are just some ways on how you can show love for someone. What’s important is that you show your love even without these material things. A hug, kiss or even a simple “I love you” can touch the hearts of your love ones.
Some people say that there is no such thing called valentine’s day probably because they are single. But remember, there is no such thing called single with God.
Today, as we celebrate the feast day of St. Valentine and Valentine’s Day, let us spread the love and sweetness because it’s a wonderful gift by Almighty Father. Don’t let anger dominate our hearts and don’t let bitterness of life take us down.
Lester de Castro
Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
To those who know him, no words are required. To those who do not, no words will suffice. Lester R. de Castro is a “scholar ng bayan” at Polytechnic University of the Philippines taking up Accountancy, Business, and Management. Lester belongs to his batches’ "Cream of the Crop" dominating to a remarkable vision of the future. Currently, as a website writer of DSPNSDA’s Media and Public Information Ministry, the talents and skills he received from the Almighty above are being used and shared not only for his own good but for the good of others as well. He believes that in life, God must be the center who guides us towards the right path.
