Simple and profound: Beloved, Be Loved

Our latest exclusive design makes a statement that is simple yet profound:

Beloved, Be Loved

This new collection is inspired by 1 John 4 where the apostle John addresses his audience as "Beloved" (an affectionate term of endearment). An authentic Christ follower is instructed to love others since they are born of God and know God. We can know how to love by the example shown to us through Jesus Christ who descended to our world so we might live through Him. So we ... the beloved ... can be loved.

For this time of year, we've created a special Valentine's-theme collection featuring traditional colors of Valentine hearts and candies to declare one's own belovedness while also to invite others to be loved. Genuine love rooted in the source of love is something we all need, especially in today's divided society.

This is our simple way to make that statement and start conversations along the way. Choose from unisex hoodies and tees, a women's semi-fitted tee, and youth-size tees for your wee loves in this exclusive collection.

A brief history of St. Valentine

St. Valentine was born in third century Italy and defied laws of Emperor Claudius II who forbade Roman soldiers to marry – believing that an untethered soldier is a mightier soldier – but St. Valentine secretly presided over marriages of soldiers anyway. While imprisoned and on trial for this, he wanted to defend the truth of Christianity to the presiding judge by laying hands on the judge's daughter Julia to restore sight to her blind eyes.

Despite this miracle, the judge still condemned St. Valentine to death, which eventually took place on February 14 around AD 270. Before his execution, St. Valentine wrote a letter to Julia about Scripture, nature, and God, leading to her conversion and healing then signed that letter "from your Valentine."

In this instance, St. Valentine lived out what the apostle John wrote in 1 John 4:7–10, the Scriptural source of inspiration for this exclusive design from Oneword Merch.

And now for the love song mixtape

What would Valentine's Day be without a mixtape of love songs, right? If we were to make a Beloved, Be Loved mixtape (or playlist in modern vernacular), this song from Sarah Kroger would be track one.

So ... Beloved, Be Loved.

P.S. We've also created a collection of colors not traditionally connected to Valentine's Day, that you can find right here. Looking out for you too, fellers.