By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Ho, Feb. 14, GNA – The Reverend Jean-Paul Agidi, a Minister of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, has urged Christians to place Christ at the centre of Valentine’s Day celebrations.
He said the deeds of Christians on Valentine’s Day should reflect their salvation and glorify God.
Rev Agidi made the call when the Ghana News Agency contacted him for his view on whether it is appropriate for Christians to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
He noted that it was proper for believers to mark the day but appealed to them to give it a Christocentric meaning.
He encouraged Christians to use the occasion to reflect on God’s love and renew their commitment to Him.
He also urged them to extend God’s love to the vulnerable and less privileged in society through donations by both churches and individual believers.
Rev Agidi cautioned that Valentine’s Day should not be reduced to indulgence in immoral behaviour, especially sexual misconduct, noting that society often portrays the celebration as a time for expensive gifts and immoral pleasure.
He said those who misunderstood the meaning of salvation and the Word of God often misunderstood the true essence of the day.
Rev Agidi advised mature and independent youths who are dating or courting to use the celebration to seek God’s guidance for the foundation of their future relationships.
He added that the day should be an intimate moment for personal reflection on relationships, guided by mutual respect, prayer, Scripture and a love that goes beyond sensual gratification.
He emphasised that love is the most precious virtue that gives life and meaning to marital relationships.
Valentine’s Day, he said, offers an opportunity for couples to reaffirm their love and renew their commitment to each other.
Rev Agidi also encouraged parents to use the occasion to reassure their children of their love and strengthen family bonds, helping young people who are overly fascinated by Valentine’s Day to adopt more responsible attitudes.
“Love will make it possible for both parents and children to play their biblical roles effectively and efficiently,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah / Lydia Kukua Asamoah