Not everyone loves “Valentine’s Day” and it’s not the people you think might feel that way.  Did you know that Valentine’s Day is banned in several Muslim countries?

On Monday, February 13 the Islamabad High Court in Pakistan’s capital issued an order that banned the celebration of Valentine’s Day across the country “with immediate effect.”  A petition was submitted to the court by a citizen who claimed Valentine’s Day and its associated promotions were “against the teachings of Islam.”

Pakistan is not alone in this.  Since 2011 Valentine’s Day cards, gifts, teddy bears, and other items have been banned in Iran.  It is not uncommon for religiously active Muslims to reject any holiday or festival that is not part of Islam itself.

All of us know that not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day in a way that is moral and honors the values by which Christians are supposed to live.  Additionally many people fail to say and show love to that special someone every day, making what they do on Valentine’s Day less meaningful.

Yet isn’t it a good thing to have holidays and traditions that encourage us to be creative and say “I LOVE YOU” in a special way.  What’s wrong with changing our routine and keeping our romance fresh and alive?  Instead of fighting the holiday, embrace it.  Use it to strengthen your marriage.

As the Bible says in Proverbs 5:18-19: “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.  As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love.”

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Pastor Steve Hogg