The True Meaning of Love

Hello everyone! Since today is Valentine’s Day, love is on the minds of many—romantic love, friendship, family, and even the little heart-shaped chocolates we give out. But as we celebrate love today, I want us to reflect on the deeper, truer love that comes from God—the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

This passage is one of the most well-known descriptions of love in the Bible, and it happens to be my favorite verse in all of Scripture! While it’s often read at weddings, what I love most about it is that it goes beyond romantic love—it speaks to all love. It reveals how God loves us, how we are called to love one another, and how true love reflects the very heart of Jesus Christ.

So today, let’s break this passage down and see what it teaches us about real love—God’s kind of love!

1. Love is Patient and Kind

Patience and kindness go hand in hand. We live in a world where people are quick to react, quick to get frustrated, and quick to give up on others. But true love is patient—it gives people grace, allowing them time to grow and change.

God shows us this kind of patience every day. He never gives up on us, no matter how many mistakes we make. And His kindness is evident in the way He blesses us, forgives us, and provides for us. If we want to love like God, we need to practice patience and kindness in our relationships—with our families, our friends, and even with difficult people.

2. Love Does Not Envy or Boast; It Is Not Arrogant or Rude

In a world that constantly compares and competes, envy is a major struggle. But love is secure—it doesn’t feel the need to outshine others or put them down. Instead of jealousy, love celebrates others’ successes. Instead of arrogance, love is humble.

Jesus, who had every reason to boast as the Son of God, chose humility. He washed His disciples’ feet, He ate with sinners, and He gave His life for us. If our love is to reflect His, we must put aside pride, celebrate others, and lift them up instead of tearing them down.

3. Love Does Not Insist on Its Own Way; It Is Not Irritable or Resentful

Love is selfless. It doesn’t demand its own way, but seeks the good of others. Too often, our relationships struggle because we want things to go our way—we want to be right, to be heard, to be in control. But true love sacrifices.

Think about Jesus. He could have demanded worship, demanded respect, and demanded His own way. Instead, He laid down His rights, even to the point of dying on a cross for our salvation. If we are to love like Him, we must let go of selfishness, choose forgiveness over resentment, and put others before ourselves.

4. Love Does Not Rejoice at Wrongdoing, But Rejoices With the Truth

Love and truth go together. The world often says, “Love is just letting people do whatever makes them happy.” But the Bible teaches us that real love doesn’t celebrate sin—it points people to truth. Love isn’t about making people comfortable in darkness; it’s about leading them to light.

Jesus loved sinners deeply, but He also called them to repentance. His love was not about accepting sin but transforming lives. If we truly love people, we will want what’s best for them—and that means guiding them toward God’s truth.

5. Love Bears All Things, Believes All Things, Hopes All Things, Endures All Things

Real love doesn’t give up. It bears burdens, believes the best in people, hopes for the future, and endures through hardships. It doesn’t walk away when things get tough.

God’s love for us is unshakable. Even when we fail, He remains faithful. Even when we doubt, He continues to pursue us. His love endures all things. And He calls us to love with that same endurance—whether in marriage, friendships, family, or community.

Conclusion: Living Out God’s Love

On this Valentine’s Day, as we celebrate love, let’s remember that love is more than just romance or fleeting feelings—it is a choice, an action, and a reflection of Jesus Christ.

If you desire to love like this, it begins with receiving God’s love for you. I encourage you to open your heart to Him in prayer—He longs to hear from you. You are His precious child, and He loves you more deeply than you can imagine. He has already shown the fullness of His love through Jesus, and when we truly experience that love, it transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to love others as He loves us. No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to invite God in, and you are never too far beyond the reach of His perfect grace.

So let’s go out and show this kind of love—the kind that is patient, kind, humble, selfless, truthful, and enduring. Let’s love like Jesus.

Amen!