Yesterday was Valentine's Day, with many a romantic date celebrated across the world. It prompts me to think about what it means to love someone, and to be thankful to Becky for putting up with me since we got married 32 years ago. As in all marriages, we've had plenty of ups and downs along the way.

I find myself also thinking of what Jesus said when he was asked to spell out the greatest command from God. He responded by saying two things:

Love God with all your heart, soul, mind
and strength; and
Love your neighbour as yourself.

(You might like to look at Matthew chapter 22 to find out more.)

All too often in our human love for one another, we hold something back, being more inclined to be selfish than to love as we'd like to be loved. And our love for God is often a half-hearted pale reflection of what Jesus had in mind. I thank God that His love for us is very different - without limit, leading Jesus to die for us - and I hope that one day our love for Him and for other people will be more like that.

And finally … a thought about St Valentine. He was, like me, a church leader. But, unlike me, he didn't live in a place and time where freedom of belief and speech was a reality. Third century Italy was a tough context to be
a Christian, and he was put to death under Roman Emperor Claudius II. For Christians, celebrating this day speaks of an all-loving God who blesses those who love one another, as Jesus urged his followers to do, whatever the cost.