February 2020
Here I am
thinking it’s already February, then realizing it's a leap year, so a longer
February, which led me to contemplate what “February” means, then of course
realizing Valentines Day will soon be upon us. Shaking my head by how one random
thought leads to many more, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to
look up the meaning of February just to see how it came by its name. I found it
was derived from the Latin word Februarius meaning “to purify”. So in ancient
Roman times, February was known as the “Month of Purification”, a transitional
time just after a month of reflection and New Year's resolutions. February has
also been long celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine’s Day as we
know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.
I read opposing versions for the actual tradition of celebrating St.
Valentine’s Day itself, but one version recognizes the death of the martyred
Catholic priest St. Valentine. There are differing stories surrounding his
death, but one explained he was killed for attempting to help Christians escape
harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. Another version
for the celebration was to bring a Christian meaning to a Roman pagan fertility
festival celebrated at the ides of February, dedicated to the Roman god of
agriculture. Yet regardless of the origin, February is celebrated as the month
of Love, and I think for Christians this is the perfect opportunity to remind
one another what exactly sets Christianity apart from any other religion.
The very
foundation of Christianity is LOVE, and here’s the proof. “For God so loved the
world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 NIV. Jesus performed everything necessary
for us to be a Christian. Just before giving up His spirit, Jesus stated upon
the cross “it is finished” (John 19:30). In this unselfish act of love,
provided by God’s Grace and Love, we find the foundation of Christianity and
all that is necessary for us to call ourselves Christian. And being a Christian
is all about having a loving, real relationship with Jesus Christ, and when we
do we have a change of heart. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love
comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” 1 John
4:7. It is by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, not by anything we do, we
are saved Children of God and will have eternal life. This means we are under
God’s authority. Jesus commanded us, “A new command I give you: Love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:34. Jesus
didn’t suggest this, He didn’t say it was a good idea; it’s not even up for
discussion, He commands us. It’s all about love.
Yes, I know, it
can be hard living as a Christian in a world that has become tolerant of
behavior contradicting basic Christian principles, and still love those who
choose to ignore and defy God’s truths. The struggle lies in the fact as
Christians, while we know others practice or belief is a sin, we should never
condone prejudice or discrimination against anyone. We do not have to accept
what others do or believe, but we can pray through the love of God and power of
the Holy Spirit God will change their hearts one day. We can love as God
commands without bias and still be true to our moral and ethical Christian
beliefs.
If you take
anything away from this month's blog, please remember this, Jesus humbled Himself, surrendered His
rights, and obeyed God even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians
2:5-8). Being His servant begins with the same unselfish, loving attitude. It
requires helping others when it’s not convenient, doing tasks that are not
glamorous, and obeying the Lord even if it’s costly. It is God’s plan we make
it obvious by our actions to those who are able to see, that God is all around
us. Our works and accomplishments will serve as testimony God is at work within
us by letting His light shine through us and show God’s love. We don’t do this
alone, but with the help of the Holy Spirit within us allowing Jesus’ love to
flow unhindered through us to one another. We aren’t on earth to build our own
kingdom, but to faithfully serve God as He builds His.
Heidi and I pray
you will be able to show others the same unbiased, unconditional love Christ
shows all of His children, and enjoy the peace we are granted because of it.
May you also enjoy a very blessed and Happy Valentines Day, and let it be a
reminder to simply LOVE one another.
Blessings from a
pastor and his wife
And we have come to know and believe the
love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God,
and God in him. (1 John 4:16)
