What is Love?

The Definition of Love in Modern Times

Love’s definition in our modern world is feeling based and romantic. It is centered on the wonderful feelings of love and of being loved and most of all being in love. It is attractive, interesting, beautiful, and desirable for most people to think and ponder upon the whole idea of loving someone with one’s whole heart and of having a 100% positive relationship with them. We may think about that newly married couple who look stunning on the wedding day and seem so much in love. Everything seems perfect on the day of the wedding. The people, the ceremony, the food, the cake and more appear and scream of perfection. It is ideal to our eyes. However, eventually reality sets in and things do not seem so flawless anymore. At that point love may seem unsure and not worth the trouble. This is society’s view, and sadly even people of faith may fall into this mindset. However, love is so much more in the eyes of God and to those who utterly understand what love is and what it is not.

So, what is Love?

Holy Scripture demonstrates various verses on love, however one of the most prevalent is from I Corinthians 13: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast. It is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Examining these words communicates that love is a lot more than just feeling great about the behavior and actions of another person and of the positive vibes we may receive from them. Love indeed is sacrificial and not always undemanding. Our society is all about what is most convenient, and which makes us feel great rather than taking the harder road of being there for another person when things get rough.

Love is not just praying for and caring for someone else, it is also not giving up on them. When we cease to give up on a loved one, it can be burdensome but so worth it. Love is the strenuous road that leads to the heart of God. It is the person who sticks around when the entire world has walked away. It is the phone call that comes, the invitation, the inclusion, and the authentic care that decides not to give up on another person. It is the knowing and living the heart of Christ for someone and in letting them know that not only God cares, but so do you.

How Can We Live This Out in Greater Ways?

The best way to live out love is first to stop judging, stop hurting others, and to stop excluding. Be a person of inclusion, care, listening, and openness with all. Learn to use your ears and open your heart even to those you previously dismissed. In terms of a spouse or loved one, do not give up on that person especially one that is struggling. Pray for others and be genuine. Stop gossiping and bullying and do not be afraid to love those whom others do not care for or think often of. Be the type of person whom you would wish as a best friend. Model after Christ and Our Lady, and demonstrate what love is to all you meet. Love is a giving, a caring, and an offering of sincere charity for the betterment of another. It is not self-serving, rude, mean, or selfish. Keep praying and keep loving others each day to get to know the heart of God and his will for you. Then you and I will begin to know love in the greatest of ways.