Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
~I Corinthians 13:4-7, 13~
So many beautiful expressions of love around St. Valentine's Day, and most are romantic love. It's so sweet to see a young man bringing flowers to his girlfriend, or a young lady choosing a gift to let her boyfriend know how much he means to her. I also adore seeing couples who have been married many years exchanging flowers and gifts, or sharing photos on Facebook remembering when they met and those happy memories. Love certainly can be romantic and sweet, and cards and flowers are tangible ways to express the sentiments.
But there's more to love than sentimental feelings. Celebrating romantic love and giving Valentines wishes to our loved ones might also be a reminder to us to consider whether we are showing the truest kind of love as described in the well-known "Love Chapter". Are we patient and kind? Are we faithful in protecting those we love? Are we truthful and trusting in our relationships? Do we believe and hope for God's best for our loved ones, and persevere in doing good for them?
That's a love that remains only when it's Christ working in us and loving through us. That's a love that builds strong families and loyal friendships. And yes, that's also the love that builds marriages that endure and thrive through the years.

Yes, let's enter into the reality that love is an action verb and let our love be more than a once a year emotion!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love this...a favorite scripture, and your words regarding reminding of a love relationship with our loved ones as well as God who loves us. Beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful reminder that in order for love to last...we need all those aspects of love. Kindness, patience, and more will help the romantic love last.
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