I want to know what love is

No, it’s not lyrics to a song by foreigner, but a genuine question – what do you think love is?

Several events in the last few weeks prompt the question. Some have scoffed about “so called love” as a trite emotion. Others have used love as an excuse for inaction, other as an excuse for meanness. Some have even twisted it into an ultimatum. Nancy and I have had several discussions about it because of these events. We have come to a definition that goes something like this:

“Love, true love, means providing someone with something which they need without thought of reward.”

The trick then to loving is to figure out what your loved one needs, and then meeting that need to the best of your ability. In line with that thought is putting someone else’s needs before your own. Also, love isn’t about what someone else can or should do; it is only about what you can do.

God’s ability to love is infinite because he both knows our precise needs – all of them – and also is able to fill them – all of them. The utmost example of his love is the gift of his only begotten.

Jesus showed love in many ways. Everywhere he went he performed outward healings. Sometimes he showed love by not condemning in a moment of crisis. Sometimes he held his tongue even though he was wrongfully accused. And sometimes he gave people a figurative swift kick in the behind. But he always provided something that was needed without thought of reward.

So what is your definition?