Love Comprehended

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

These well-known verses are some of the most eloquent and accurate descriptions of love ever written. Contrary to popular opinion, true love is first of all a courageous commitment and an unwavering choice to care for another person. In turn, this love produces powerful feelings. You can’t practice the qualities and behaviors described in these verses in your own strength, but if you keep in step with the Holy Spirit, you’ll walk in love and experience the satisfaction and fulfillment that it brings.