How Do I Love Thee?

St. Valentine's Day is always associated with romantic love, but it is interesting to consider what love is really. Yes, we experience "feelings" of love. But in Truth, love really is not a feeling. It is an action. It's the way we choose to behave in any given circumstance. St. Paul gives a perfect description of love in his First Letter to the Corinthians (12:4-8).

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered,
it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things,
believes all things,
endures all things.
Love never fails."

Several years ago, I read about a fascinating way to meditate upon these scripture verses. It was suggested to, after reading the above verses all the way through, replace the word "love" with the Name "God". God, after all, Is Love (1 John 4:8). We can then ponder what that says about our Trinitarian Lord. After taking several moments to do that, replace the word "love" with your own name. Ouch! When I read 1 Corinthians with my name inserted, it gives me a much better understanding of where I need to continue to grow daily in every relationship. For me, this is not always an easy, self-imposed Examination of Conscience. Admittedly, I sometimes like to feel justified for not acting and thinking in loving ways. But, this is not God's Way. As I've mentioned before, God has often gently reminded me My Ways are not your ways. Jesus reminds us "to love one another." But He doesn't stop there. He continues on to say, "... love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you... for if you love (only) those who love you, what recompense is it to you?" (Matthew 5:44,46). Am I really interested in leaving all that I have and following Jesus? Frequently doing this exercise challenges me to get back on His path instead of remaining on my own.