"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Their point is that love is not a feeling or idea or genre. It's a hard thing with edges and rules and definitions -- at least when the Bible talks about it. That word love means something much bigger here than it does on a cheap Valentine's card with a chalky piece of candy glued to it.

If that thing you're saying you feel for someone doesn't come with patience, kindness, and a refusal to envy, brag, be rude, serve yourself first, get angry quickly, and keep track of who did more wrong to whom -- then it ain't love. (Yes, I said "ain't," but I resisted saying, "baby.")

Much bigger: This is the way God loves us on the days we are least lovable, least obedient, least attractive. Because His love -- real love -- isn't earned. It's given.

Think: Do you think it's valid to say we love someone if we don't mostly treat them as these verses describe? Do you have a hard time believing that God loves you -- every day -- with the kind of love pictured in these verses?

Pray: Thank God for love that is never envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, or tracking wrongs. Ask Him to help you to love others that way.

Do: Write down two names -- the person who treats you most like these verses describe and the person you treat most this way.