Valentine’s Day: More Than Just Chocolates and Romance

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is one of the most talked-about celebrations of the year. Some people go all out for Valentine’s Day, planning romantic trips, buying expensive gifts, and posting heartfelt messages on social media. Others see it as an overrated celebration designed to pressure people into spending money. Then some fully embrace being single, celebrating “Single Awareness Day,” or even poking fun at the celebration with a bit of good-natured bitterness—we all know someone like that.

But have you ever stopped to wonder where all of this started? Why do we celebrate love this way? And does modern Valentine’s Day reflect what it originally meant to honor? Let’s take a little history trip (don’t worry, there are no pop quizzes at the end).

The Unexpected Origin of Valentine’s Day

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day didn’t start with flower deliveries and heart-shaped candies. It was originally called St. Valentine’s Day, named after a Roman priest. Multiple priests were all martyred for standing firm in their faith. Beheaded, scourged, or otherwise brutally executed, they displayed the ultimate act of love: self-sacrifice.

Fast-forward to the Middle Ages and people began associating February 14 with love because they believed it was the start of bird mating season. Romantic, right? Soon, the idea of dedicating the day to lovers caught on, leading to the exchange of letters, gifts, and eventually, chocolate (whoever added chocolate deserves a medal).

Over time, the meaning shifted. What was once a day of symbolizing deep, sacrificial love morphed into a celebration centered around proving affection through expensive presents and elaborate dates. Real love, however, is not measured by the size of a bouquet or the cost of a dinner reservation.

Should We Care So Much About Valentine’s Day?

There’s no rule-biblical or otherwise—saying you must celebrate Valentine’s Day. But there’s also nothing wrong with especially recognizing love. The question is: what kind of love are we celebrating?

The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8). His love is sacrificial, sincere, and never-ending (John 15:13, 1 John 3:18, Ephesians 3:17-19). And according to 1 Corinthians 13, even the grandest gestures mean nothing without real love. It’s patient, kind, humble, forgiving—not just for one day, but every day.

If Valentine’s Day encourages us to love like that, great! If it’s just about proving something or comparing relationships, maybe it’s time for a different approach.

What If You’re Single on Valentine’s Day?

If February 14 feels like a reminder of what you don’t have, pause for a moment. Real love isn’t defined by a relationship status. Jesus’ love is constant, fulfilling, and more powerful than any fleeting romance. If you feel you need someone else’s love to be complete, you’re missing the greatest love of all—the kind that never fades or fails.

And before you think I’m preaching from a couple’s pedestal, let me clarify: my Valentine’s dates are my loved ones. I’ve spent plenty of Valentine’s Days feeling like I was missing out, but the moment I found my worth in Jesus, that loneliness disappeared. This year, I feel more secure than ever because I finally understand that love isn’t something I have to chase—it’s something I already have.

How to Celebrate Real Love

For couples, keep your focus on what truly matters. Love isn’t about who plans the most extravagant date or gives the biggest gift. It’s about selflessness, thoughtfulness, and sincerity. If you celebrate, do it in a way that reflects real love—something deeper than a picture-perfect moment.

For singles, don’t fall into the trap of thinking Valentine’s Day defines your worth. You are already deeply loved by the One who created you. Whether or not you have a significant other, you can show love by reaching out to friends, family, or even strangers who might need kindness.

No matter where you stand on Valentine’s Day, let’s use it as a reminder that love isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about giving of ourselves, just like Jesus did. That’s a love worth celebrating, every day of the year.