The true meaning of St. Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a day of romantic love, but at its heart, it is a celebration of deep, selfless love — the kind of love that reflects Christ. While the world emphasizes romance only, we can use this day to celebrate God’s love, the love of family and friends, and the faith that binds us together.

The story of St. Valentine: a testament of love and faith

St. Valentine was a priest devoted to God, steadfast in his faith, and willing to stand against injustice for the sake of his beliefs. At a time when Christian practices were under threat, he fearlessly upheld the teachings of Christ, despite the dangers he faced. His life was marked by a deep commitment to sharing God’s love, even in the face of persecution.

What is St. Valentine's story?

There are multiple accounts of St. Valentine, but most agree that he was a priest in Rome during the 3rd century. At that time, Emperor Claudius II had banned marriages for young men, believing that single soldiers fought better. Some legends claim that Valentine, knowing that marriage was a God-ordained covenant, secretly performed weddings.

Standing for Christ in the face of persecution

Valentine’s defiance of the emperor’s orders led to his arrest. While imprisoned, he continued to share God’s love, even healing the blind daughter of a jailer. Before his execution on February 14, he wrote her a letter signed, “Your Valentine”, a phrase that continues today.

His actions continue to inspire us to live out love through faith, kindness, and commitment to God's truth.

A Christ-centered approach to Valentine’s Day

At Feed on the Word, we cherish the beauty of covenant love and fully embrace the joy of Valentine’s Day. However, instead of focusing on fleeting gestures, we see this as a wonderful reminder to turn our hearts toward God’s love—the most enduring and transformative love of all. By celebrating in a way that honors Him, we can deepen our relationships and reflect His truth in our homes and gatherings.

Love as God defines it

One of the most famous scriptures about love, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, reminds us:

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.

This kind of love — agape love — is the selfless, unconditional love that Jesus demonstrated through His life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It is a love that calls us to serve, forgive, and uplift others, reflecting God's heart in all that we do.

Ways to celebrate a faith-filled Valentine’s Day

Instead of focusing on fleeting emotions, we can use this day to share God’s love in meaningful ways. Consider gathering loved ones for a special meal where you reflect on God’s blessings, reading scripture together, or sharing testimonies of His faithfulness. Small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:

• Pray together as a family or with friends, thanking God for His unfailing love.

• Write down a prayer for your spouse, and give it to them as a gift.

• Encourage acts of service, like delivering meals to those in need or writing cards to the lonely.

• Invite single friends over, especially young singles from church, for a night of fellowship and encouragement.

Setting your table for a faith-filled Valentine’s gathering

Our friend, Claire Couche from Finding Philothea recently set a stunning table using our Scripture-inspired dinnerware, and though it was Advent at the time, it also gave us the perfect vision for Valentine’s Day. Soft pink candles complemented the elegant design of our pieces, creating a warm and inviting setting. We love how faith and beauty came together, and we're excited to share these beautiful photos with you:

Enjoy our special Valentine’s offer

To make this Valentine’s Day even more special, we’re offering 10% off when you purchase two or more pieces from our collections. Whether you’re adding to your own home or selecting a gift for a loved one, our Scripture-adorned dinnerware will make meaningful and faith-filled presents. Use code VALENTINE at checkout.