Here comes another season of Valentine and love is in the air in its assortments. It is also a period where rehearsals of the ‘d‘ day’s expressions fall over themselves. To some, it is the best time to propose to their would-be spouses (as the case may be.) To others, it is a time taken out to appreciate those who have been generally good to them. It was for a similar course that St Valentine was sentenced to death; for marrying young soldiers in secret at a time the church was being persecuted. So it appears surprising to realize that St Valentine did not die for someone he loved but for something he believed in- Love. Quite inspiring! Indeed, Love is best expressed in action not in lip service. Where the bible states, “…for someone really worthy, a man might be prepared to die”, the driving force here can only be Love.

What is Love?

Robert A Heinlein defines it beautifully: Love is that condition in which the happiness of another is essential to your own.

The best definition is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 New International Version (NIV)

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

This goes to say Love is happy with the happiness of another. Love does not seek to embarrass others. Love puts the other first after themselves, except in critical cases. Love hardly has a reason to get bitter. Love is readily forgiving. Love sees the truth and points it out no matter how hurtful it might be. Love would cover up another’s folly. Love trusts. Love believes in the other. Love is enduring. Love gives even when it is not given.

In our world today, the word “Love” has been bastardized so much so that an adjective “true” has been assigned as its escort to back up its meaning. This gave rise to what is now known as True Love. Sadly, many do not realize that there is no such thing as true Love. Love is sufficiently and conveniently true on its own and does not need a helping hand to portray its actual meaning. Think about it. Scripture states that God is love. Since there is only one God, then there can only be one Love; for God cannot be untrue.

Love is the greatest. Love conquers all. 1 Peter 4:8 lends more insight to this fact, “Love each other deeply, since love covers a multitude of sins? Spectacular!

Take time to assess your feelings towards your neighbour. If it does not tally with the Scriptures, it is not too late or wrong to begin right. In love is profound respect. In love is profound care. In love is profound justice and fairness, but you must start with yourself first, then you can love others. It is said, Quel q’un ne peut pas donner ce-qu’il n a pas (French). [You can not give what you do not have]. Another French proverb states, Aimer est tres facile qu’etre aime. [It is easier to love than to be loved]. With this in mind, remember always that the love you give is more important than the one you receive. John 3:16 explains that God gave us his son Jesus. Jesus gave his life and is now seated at the right hand of God, in glory. You can never go wrong or unrewarded when you love. Love always pays off.

Amidst the situations we are faced with, the bible enjoins us today to love one another that the world may know we are of God. When it’s not easy, ask for grace.

Thank you for reading this piece on Love; it’s now time to put it into practice…

Edith Jeff-Okoroafor
Speaker and Writer
edith.jeff-okoroafor@opinionnigeria.com