The Greatest of These Is Love

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Virtual Christian Magazine Editorial
The Greatest of These Is Love
By Patrick Kansa

his month brings us to an annual holiday with some very recognizable imagery: flying cupids with bows ready to fire, long-stemmed red roses and candy for sale in the local stores. The holiday, of course, is Valentine's Day. Today, it is generally seen as the premier day to profess our love for a special person in our life. This is, of course, encouraged by the greeting card and candy companies. According to ACNielsen U.S., the week of Valentine's Day is the single largest week for candy sales. According to the National Retail Foundation, similar statistics exist for greeting cards (second only to Christmas in 2002) and cut flowers (more sold than any other holiday).

It is obvious that today there is a very commercial aspect to this holiday. But what are its origins? A cursory glance through any encyclopedia will point out that the day is also known as St. Valentine's Day, named for a man who was martyred in A.D. 270. He then came to be associated with the union of lovers under stressful conditions. But further research reveals the true origin of the holiday.

The origin of Valentine's Day is in Rome, in a pagan feast day known as Lupercalia (the feast of Lupercus). This was celebrated in mid-February, to give reverence to the god of fertility, and to celebrate sensual pleasures. This festival survived until the end of the fifth century, at which time it was outlawed by Pope Gelasius. However, he wanted another festival with which to replace it, since he knew people would be reluctant to give up their old ways. It was at this time that the bishop Valentine was chosen as the patron saint of the new celebration.

In this way, the pagan celebration, and supporting beliefs, were covered and disguised, making it more acceptable to the religious leaders of that day. But what does God tell us of actions such as these? "Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.' You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way" (Deuteronomy 12:30-31).

This does not mean, however, that we cannot express our love for each other. In fact, Christ Himself commanded us to love each other: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34).

So, then, how can we, in proper ways, show our love? In our lead article, "Perfect Love," by Linda Schreiber, a powerful example is shown -- the love of Christ. His love for God is a perfect example for us to follow, as is His love for us. Also highlighted are examples that Jesus gave to us for loving our brothers.

In "Held Together by a Spiritual Thread," Jean Jantzen delves further into that same subject. When we come into God's Church, we become part of a larger spiritual family. However, just as in our own families, relationships may not always be smooth. This article explores some of the situations that can arise between brethren in the Church, God's guidance for truly loving the brethren and a wonderful example from the author's own experiences.

And what of the love of husband and wife? Marriage is a gift from God, yet so many marriages today end in divorce. "Have You Performed Your Vow Today?" by David Treybig discusses some of the misunderstandings that can lead to a failed marriage. In the course of the article, you will see that marriage is more than a simple physical relationship, why love must be patient and who the third person involved in a marriage vow is.

In "The Gift That Keeps on Giving," Michelle Grovak highlights another gift that God gives because of His love for us: the gift of miracles. Through several examples from her own life, the author shows how miracles can have a lasting effect in our lives and the lives of those around us.

To conclude this month's issue, we have an article that examines a recent television show that served only to further push the boundaries of television. "Lead Us Not Onto Temptation Island," by Melvin Rhodes, examines how such programs damage our society. He shows that these societal changes were prophesied, and how society's view on promiscuity has changed over time. However, with God's guidance, we can overcome the societal pressures, and refocus our thoughts and energy on God's coming Kingdom.

As you read through this issue, please keep in mind that these articles are only exploring a few of the many facets of love, whether it be God's love for us, our love for one another or the ways in which "love" is expressed in society. For further information and reading on these topics, please visit our main Web site (http://www.ucg.org), or that of another UCG publication, The Good News (http://www.gnmagazine.org). A history of Valentine's Day can also be found on the History Channel website (http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/main.html)

Copyright 2004 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved.

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				Virtual Christian Magazine Editorial The Greatest of These Is Love By Patrick Kansa his month brings us to an annual holiday with some very recognizable imagery: flying cupids with bows ready to fire, long-stemmed red roses and candy for sale in the local stores. The holiday, of course, is Valentine's Day. Today, it is generally seen as the premier day to profess our love for a special person in our life. This is, of course, encouraged by the greeting card and candy companies. According to ACNielsen U.S., the week of Valentine's Day is the single largest week for candy sales. According to the National Retail Foundation, similar statistics exist for greeting cards (second only to Christmas in 2002) and cut flowers (more sold than any other holiday). It is obvious that today there is a very commercial aspect to this holiday. But what are its origins? A cursory glance through any encyclopedia will point out that the day is also known as St. Valentine's Day, named for a man who was martyred in A.D. 270. He then came to be associated with the union of lovers under stressful conditions. But further research reveals the true origin of the holiday. The origin of Valentine's Day is in Rome, in a pagan feast day known as Lupercalia (the feast of Lupercus). This was celebrated in mid-February, to give reverence to the god of fertility, and to celebrate sensual pleasures. This festival survived until the end of the fifth century, at which time it was outlawed by Pope Gelasius. However, he wanted another festival with which to replace it, since he knew people would be reluctant to give up their old ways. It was at this time that the bishop Valentine was chosen as the patron saint of the new celebration. In this way, the pagan celebration, and supporting beliefs, were covered and disguised, making it more acceptable to the religious leaders of that day. But what does God tell us of actions such as these? "Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.' You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way" (Deuteronomy 12:30-31). This does not mean, however, that we cannot express our love for each other. In fact, Christ Himself commanded us to love each other: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34). So, then, how can we, in proper ways, show our love? In our lead article, "Perfect Love," by Linda Schreiber, a powerful example is shown -- the love of Christ. His love for God is a perfect example for us to follow, as is His love for us. Also highlighted are examples that Jesus gave to us for loving our brothers. In "Held Together by a Spiritual Thread," Jean Jantzen delves further into that same subject. When we come into God's Church, we become part of a larger spiritual family. However, just as in our own families, relationships may not always be smooth. This article explores some of the situations that can arise between brethren in the Church, God's guidance for truly loving the brethren and a wonderful example from the author's own experiences. And what of the love of husband and wife? Marriage is a gift from God, yet so many marriages today end in divorce. "Have You Performed Your Vow Today?" by David Treybig discusses some of the misunderstandings that can lead to a failed marriage. In the course of the article, you will see that marriage is more than a simple physical relationship, why love must be patient and who the third person involved in a marriage vow is. In "The Gift That Keeps on Giving," Michelle Grovak highlights another gift that God gives because of His love for us: the gift of miracles. Through several examples from her own life, the author shows how miracles can have a lasting effect in our lives and the lives of those around us. To conclude this month's issue, we have an article that examines a recent television show that served only to further push the boundaries of television. "Lead Us Not Onto Temptation Island," by Melvin Rhodes, examines how such programs damage our society. He shows that these societal changes were prophesied, and how society's view on promiscuity has changed over time. However, with God's guidance, we can overcome the societal pressures, and refocus our thoughts and energy on God's coming Kingdom. As you read through this issue, please keep in mind that these articles are only exploring a few of the many facets of love, whether it be God's love for us, our love for one another or the ways in which "love" is expressed in society. For further information and reading on these topics, please visit our main Web site (http://www.ucg.org), or that of another UCG publication, The Good News (http://www.gnmagazine.org). A history of Valentine's Day can also be found on the History Channel website (http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/main.html) Copyright 2004 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved.