Love, God's Way: A Biblical Perspective for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day, celebrated worldwide on February 14th, has roots in both Christian and pagan traditions. Some trace it back to Saint Valentine, a priest martyred in the 3rd century for secretly marrying Christian cou ples under Roman persecution. Others link it to Lupercalia, a Roman festival of fertility. Regardless of its origins, the modern holiday emphasizes love, which presents an opportunity for us to reflect on true love—God’s love.

Should Christians Celebrate Valentine's Day?

The celebration of holidays is a personal matter, guided by one’s God-given conscience, which includes the capacity for human beings to exercise self-evaluation. Romans 14:4–6 emphasizes that we should not judge others for how they choose to observe certain days. Each person is accountable to God for their own decisions, and differences in holiday observance should not lead to conflict. Ultimately, if we choose to mark a day as special, it should be done with a heart focused on honoring the Lord.

A close parallel in the Gospels:

Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1–2)

This aligns with the warning in Romans 14:4-6 against judging fellow believers over disputable matters like dietary choices and sacred days. Both passages emphasize personal accountability before God in these matters rather than human judgment.

Therefore, whether or not you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day, it can still serve as a time to reflect on whether our intimate relationships align with God's design and will for us.

The Bible speaks profoundly about love, especially within marriage. The Song of Solomon celebrates marital intimacy and passion, showing that God designed love to be cherished in marriage:

I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine. (Song of Solomon 6:3)

For husbands, the Bible gives a clear command:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. (Ephesians 5:25)

This love is sacrificial, selfless, and enduring—reflecting Jesus’ love for His people.

At the same time, wives are called to honor and submit to their husbands in a way that reflects their trust in God’s design.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22)

This submission is not about inferiority but about God’s order for marriage, just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:5-8).

What about unmarried couples?

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Unmarried couples should reflect on how their relationship aligns with God's will, demonstrating respect, and purity. The world offers a lot of opinions, but is God pleased with your relationship?

True Love Comes from God

While Valentine’s Day promotes romantic love, the Bible teaches that true love originates from God:

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

Love is more than feelings—it is an action, a commitment, and ultimately a reflection of God’s character. The greatest act of love was Jesus Christ laying down His life for us:

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Whether or not you celebrate Valentine’s Day, use this time to reflect on God’s perfect love. Love your spouse as Christ commands, honor biblical marriage, and remember that true love is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

May your love be rooted in Christ, the source of all love. ❤️