February is intrinsically linked to love, thanks primarily to the promotion of Valentine’s Day! (February 14th, in case you were wondering guys! J) While I am not exactly against the celebration, the world has high-jacked the true meaning of the word! The Biblical definition is very different!
What Is Love?
It is silence—when your words would hurt.
It is patience—when your neighbor’s curt.
It is deafness—when a scandal flows.
It is thoughtfulness—for other’s woes.
It is promptness—when stern duty calls.
It is courage—when misfortune falls.
(Source unknown)
Love is Not a Feeling
Biblical love, often described as sacrificial love, has transforming power. Genuine love is volitional (a choice) rather than emotional. The person who truly loves does so because of a decision to love. This person has made a commitment to be loving whether or not the loving feeling is present. If it is, so much the better; but if it isn’t, the commitment to love, the will to love, still stands and is still exercised…. True love is not a feeling by which we are overwhelmed; it is a committed, thoughtful decision.
(Dr. M. Scott Peck – slightly modified J)
Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(NIV, emphasis added)
Philippians 1:9: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight…”