Today is St Valentine's Day, and as such will have stimulated men and women, boys and girls, to spend increasing amounts on cards to send to the one they love. In some cases they will be accompanied with lavish presents; all to say "I love you" in a tangible way.

However, I wonder how many readers know who St Valentine was? He was a Roman Priest who was executed during the reign of Claudius. He was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples. When he tried to convert Claudius, the emperor condemned him to death by beheading.

Today, he is still revered by Christians and non Christians as the patron saint of lovers, hence the sending of cards expressing that love.

Christian love is, however, much broader than that expressed on cards. Christian love extends to all, and is the subject of statements by Jesus, who tells us to love one another, just as he loves us, and as he rests in His Father's love.

As we look around the world today there are many examples of the lack of love. It leads to the failure of human relations, the greed which leads to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer; to the breakdown in international relations.

So, as the cards arrive or are dispatched, let us remember that love is indeed what makes the world go round, and that we all have a responsibility to play our part in that love.

Bob Barker, Methodist Minister Member of Carver United Reformed Church, Windermere