Love is in the Air

Every year on February 14th I think of a song from the late '70's. You may know it. The first line goes, "Love is in the air everywhere I look around." Today the world talks about love on Valentine's Day. What is Valentine's Day and what is true love? First a little history. St. Valentine was a 3rd century Roman priest. It was during this time that the faithful believers in Christ were being persecuted for their faith. On February 14th, about the year 270, St. Valentine was beheaded because he refused to denounce his faith in Christ. It was his love of Christ that led him to give his life as a martyr. This is what true love is. To be able to give your life for the one you love. In the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 13, vs 4 to 8 he talks about what love really is. In verses 4 & 5 he says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury..." Paul is teaching us to love Christ as he loved us, and to love others! Further, when you are giving flowers or chocolate to the one you love, remember you are to love them not only on Valentine's Day, but everyday! And you are to love them as Christ loves you. You are always to be patient, you are always to be kind. You are never to be jealous. All the attributes that Paul points out are to be used towards the one you love. Happy Valentine's Day!