Love and spring are in the air

Spring is in the air and it seems that many a young heart turns toward love.  But what is love?  How do we define love?  When I meet with young couples in pre-marital counseling, I like to ask the loaded question; “What is love?”

Often, they talk about the feelings they have for one another.   “She makes me feel special” or “I just can’t live without him”, are typical responses.  But is love just a warm fuzzy feeling?   Does love change with our emotions?  Or is love more than just human emotion?

The bible gives the greatest definition of love. It’s a picture of the heart of God and it should speak to the Christian of the work the Holy Spirit does in our hearts.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails   1 Cor 13:4-8 NIV

We’ve all heard it at weddings and seen it in greeting cards.  But do we understand this is purest definition of Love?  Let’s consider what the Apostle Paul wrote.

First, he says love is simply two things, it is “patient and kind”.  Interesting, because neither patience or kindness are emotions rather, they are virtues demonstrated by our actions.  While we are emotional creatures and human love most certainly involves feelings, reality is, feelings come and go.  When our emotions are subject to change, the bible says, true love “never fails”.

Second, we see what love does not do.  Love is never envious or jealous, it doesn’t boast or brag, it’s not conceded nor rude in words or deeds.   Love is not self seeking, in other words, love gives, serves and is always looking for how to bless others.  God’s love does not look for personal gain in the relationship.

And, “Love keeps no record of wrongs.”  Forgiveness is the key to a great marriage, and forgiveness is what makes any relationship strong.  Someone once said; “A good marriage is a bond between two forgivers.”  True forgiveness is exampled by God, who does not dredge up our past sins, but He forgives and forgets.

Finally, we see what love does.  Love is truthful, trust is built when we wear the banner of truth all about us.  Love is also trustworthy, hopeful, and never gives up.  

The bible speaks volumes about love, how God loved the world so much he did something, he sent his son Jesus Christ to die for our sins.  So, God demonstrated his love by doing something, and that’s what true love does.  While feelings come and go, the love that God gives and the love He puts within us, becomes a commitment we demonstrate through action.  Biblical love truly is an act of your will.  Just like God’s love never fails, so the love between people, husband to wife or friend to friend, is demonstrated by our actions and; “True love never fails!”