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The Daily Devotional
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Love That Costs: The Courage of St. Valentine
“Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” — 1 John 3:18
Introduction
In the middle of February, we find ourselves in the long, gray stretch of winter. The excitement of the New Year has faded, and spring has not yet broken. It is fitting that in this season—which often requires endurance—we celebrate a day dedicated to love. While our culture fills today with red roses and sweet sentiments, the spiritual roots of February 14 go much deeper. This date marks the collision of human affection with holy martyrdom, reminding us that true love is not merely a warm mood we fall into, but a deliberate spiritual practice we choose, warmed by grace even when the world feels cold.
Reflection
Long before this day became associated with greeting cards and chocolates, February 14 was set aside to honor the martyrdom of a priest named Valentine. Tradition places Valentine in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, around c. 270 AD. According to historical accounts, Claudius banned marriages for young soldiers, operating under the harsh belief that single men made for better, more undistracted warriors. Valentine, compelled by a higher law, defied the imperial decree and continued performing marriages for young Christian couples in secret.
His commitment to the covenant of marriage cost him everything; he was eventually imprisoned and beheaded. The blood of Valentine testifies to a profound truth: love is a courageous act of will. It is easy to love when the sun is shining and emotions run high. It is another thing entirely to love when it is forbidden, dangerous, or simply difficult.
We see this "Valentine love" not just in history books, but in the quiet heroism of everyday life. Consider the husband who sits daily by the bedside of a wife who no longer recognizes him, feeding her with gentle patience. There is no adrenaline there, no cinematic romance—only the fierce, quiet thunder of fidelity. Like Valentine, he is protecting a covenant in the face of a great enemy—in this case, illness and time. This is love "in truth and action." It is the choice to keep a promise when the feelings have evaporated or when the cost is high. St. Valentine reminds us that Christian love is not anti-romance; rather, it deepens romance by anchoring it in a faithfulness that is willing to sacrifice self for the other.
Application
To move from sentiment to substance today, try these practical exercises of love:
Relational Practice (The Note of Evidence): Instead of a generic expression of affection, write a note to a spouse, family member, or close friend listing three specific character traits you admire in them. Tell them how you see Christ in their patience, their work ethic, or their kindness.
Outward Practice (Secret Service): Identify a chore or burden that usually falls to someone else in your household or workplace. Do it quietly, completely, and without announcing that you did it. Let the act itself be the gift.
Inward Practice (The Pause of Grace): Friction often arises when we are tired. Today, make a covenant with yourself to pause for five seconds before responding to any irritation. Use that silence to pray, "Lord, help me answer with gentleness," rather than reacting with defense.
Conclusion
As we navigate the remainder of winter, let us take heart. The witness of St. Valentine teaches us that love is sturdy enough to withstand the edicts of emperors and the weariness of the seasons. By grounding our affection in Jesus's sacrificial love, we find the strength to offer more than just flowers; we offer our faithfulness. May your love today be an active, living force—a fire that warms the room and glories God.
Prayer
Gracious and Loving God, we thank You for the gift of love, revealed most perfectly in the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. On this day, we look beyond the surface of sentiment to the depth of covenant faithfulness. Give us the courage to love not just in word, but in truth and action. We pray specifically for marriages that need strengthening, for those who are single and seeking community, for widows and widowers feeling the ache of loss, and for relationships strained by conflict. Bind us together with cords of kindness that cannot be broken. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us—selflessly, sacrificially, and without end. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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