Accra: 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 emphasized that the deeds of Christians on this day should reflect their salvation and glorify God.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rev Agidi expressed his views when contacted about the appropriateness of Christians celebrating Valentine's Day. He affirmed that it is proper for believers to mark the day, but he appealed for a Christocentric approach. He encouraged Christians to use the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on God's love and renew their commitment to Him.
Rev Agidi also called on Christians to extend God's love to the vulnerable and less privileged in society through donations from both churches and individual believers. He cautioned against reducing Valentine's Day to indulgence in immoral behavior, particularly sexual misconduct. He noted that society often portrays the celebration as a time for expensive gifts and immoral pleasure, which misrepresents the true essence of the day.
He advised mature and independent youths who are dating or courting to seek God's guidance for the foundation of their future relationships during the celebration. The day, he suggested, should be a moment for personal reflection on relationships, guided by mutual respect, prayer, Scripture, and a love that transcends sensual gratification.
Rev Agidi highlighted that love is the most precious virtue, providing life and meaning to marital relationships. Valentine's Day, he pointed out, offers couples an opportunity to reaffirm their love and renew their commitment to each other. He also urged parents to use the occasion to reassure their children of their love and strengthen family bonds, guiding young people to adopt more responsible attitudes towards the day.
He concluded by stating, "Love will make it possible for both parents and children to play their biblical roles effectively and efficiently."