We just passed Valentine’s Day, that day when romantics all over the world do their very best to find clever ways to express their love to their Valentine with things like chocolates, hearts, roses, and poetry. As for the rest of us, well thank goodness for Hallmark!

The Bible has a lot to say about love. In fact, 1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as “the love chapter.” Although that chapter isn’t specifically directed towards romantic love it gives us some excellent instruction about what love is and what love does.

First, Love does the right things for the right reasons. The first three verses of the love chapter say that even if have an abundance of spiritual gifts and no matter how impressive your sacrifices are of money or self, if they are done without love, they are worthless. You may have had an experience with somebody doing something nice for you, but they do it out of regret, guilt, fear, or an attempt at manipulation. Instead, acting out of love is worth more than just the words, deeds, or generosity we do.

Second, Love possesses certain characteristics. Verses 4 through 8 reveal those attributes; things like patience, kindness, selflessness. Love always protects, trusts, hopes and it never fails. I once heard a minister friend say that it is a good exercise to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and whenever you see the word “love” substitute your name. But be careful, that is a sobering experience because it shows us how far away from the ideal of love we really are.

Third, Love stands the test of time. In addition to saying that love always protects, trusts, and hopes Paul says “Love never fails.” Then he closes with the words: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Love endures. Love continues. Love perseveres.

Ultimately If 1 Corinthians 13 really describes love, then love is not about feelings or control. It is also not selfishly about you. It is about your commitment. It is what you decide to do because of your decision to love. It is an attitude that says, “I want what is best for that other person and not just what’s best for me.”