Is It Odd or Is It God? As Many Times As I Have Read This Verse, I Missed This. I Wonder How Many Others Missed It As Well?

John 3:16

There is a probability that some of you such as myself had not really paid attention to the word in the center of this verse: John 3:16. Many people are celebrating Valentine's Day on today with friend's, husband/wives, couples as the list goes on. Flowers , candy and gifts are given in expression of Love. But God gave us a greater Gift, His Son and within this verse we find the Word: VALENTINE.  Is It Odd or Is It God? This verse is the true meaning of Love; God's Love.  Marinate on it, inhale it, exhale it, can you feel the Love in this verse, there is no greater love or Gift known to man than that of One who suffered, bled, died and rose again so that we may live.  Jesus; the Son of God who walked the earth as God in human form to save a world lost in sin. Jesus, the One whom John is writing about in John 3:16. Jesus Christ is the true expression of Love.

The Ancient Greeks came up with Four Types of Love:  

AGAPE, the unconditional love that Jesus demonstrates for us.

PHILEO: The phileo love refers to an affectionate, it is how you feel about someone. It is a committed and chosen love.

STORGE: It is a kind of family and friendship love.

EROS: Eros is a passionate and intense love that arouses romantic feelings; it is the kind that often triggers “high” feelings in a new relationship and makes you say, “I love him/her”. It is simply an emotional and sexual love

In all that we do on this day, let us remember the Son of God who lives today. Let us demonstrate His Love to mankind, to each other. Let us give thanks to the Giver for the ultimate Gift. This is true love, this is what Love represents. John 3:16. There is a sweet aroma, when we call on the name of Jesus. 

"The first Valentine was posted around 1806. Emperor Claudius decided that single men made better soldiers. Therefore, Claudius banned soldiers from being married. One version of the story is that Valentine continued to perform the weddings of young soldiers who were in love, and Claudius had Valentine imprisoned. While imprisoned, Valentine reportedly fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Valentine sent her a card and signed it, "Love, your Valentine." Another version is that Valentine defied Claudius by helping Christians escape the torture of the Romans."

"Valentine died in approximately A.D. 270. Others claim the church may have decided to celebrate in mid February to "Christianize" the pagan Roman celebration Lupercalia. The first Valentine sent in the United States was in the 1840's by Esther Howgald. Most of us enjoy "spoiling" a loved one on Valentine's Day. Sending gifts and cards conveys love, affection, and friendship."

There is no biblical reason why Christians should not celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving their loved ones flowers, candy and/or cards. Some people feel very strongly that observing any secular holiday is wrong, while others see it as harmless. The important thing to remember is that celebrating or not celebrating holidays should not be a cause for pride or division among Christians. 

When we are confused on what to do or not to do, go to the Word of God for understanding. Let us remember John 3:16 because it is in this verse where we see and experience the magnitude of Love that God has shown each of us through His Son Jesus Christ "that whosoever believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life." It's just doesn't get any better than that.