The Color of Love

No one has an excuse to "forget" Valentine's Day. Hearts and cupids are prominently on display in every consumer area from Starbucks to Safeway, reminding us to pay special attention to the ones we love. Well, the marketing paid off - it got me thinking. WHY IS RED THE COLOR OF LOVE? And then I considered the real Valentine behind the holiday.

In the 3rd century there was a Roman priest under Claudius' rule. Claudius had prohibited marriage in order to keep his soldiers focused and unafraid of dying. He reasoned that an unmarried soldier wouldn't have anyone to stay alive for and therefore fight with more courage.
Valentine, a faithful believer, was passionate about being able to unite lovers under God's blessing. He began to marry young couples in secret - that is, until Claudius discovered and imprisoned him.

Valentine was eventually beaten, stoned and beheaded. He shed his blood for love.

Valentine is a hero, but he was ultimately following another man who died and shed his own blood. He was inspired by the life and death of Jesus.

Red is the color of blood. Red is the color of sacrifice. True love always involves sacrifice, or it isn't true. When we love fully we are willing to do whatever it takes to prove that love, even to the point of death. Jesus taught us that. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us." How do we KNOW? Wow, how could we NOT KNOW? He died and shed his blood.

So, be filled with joy as you "see red" this month. It's a reminder of the unsurpassed love that God has for you. RED IS THE COLOR OF LOVE.