John_13-34: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

[Jesus said] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 (NIV)

Some authorities believe the celebration of Valentine’s Day was designed to divert Christians from the pagan observance of Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival. Other experts link the custom of exchanging valentines with the old English belief that birds chose their mates on that day.

The early church had two saints named Valentine. In one story the Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade young men to marry, thinking that single men made better soldiers. A priest named Valentine disobeyed and secretly married young couples. Another version asserts that Valentine was an early Christian who made friends with children. When the Romans imprisoned him…