Love is patient and kind, love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(I Corinthians 13:4-7 RSV)

Times and seasons are often identified by signs and symbols. Turkey and pumpkin pie are symbols of Thanksgiving Day. Evergreen trees, multicolored lights, the star, and manger are symbols of Christmas. Snow and chilly winds are signs of winter. Tulips and daffodils are signs of spring. Red hearts and cupid are signs of Valentine’s Day. Already, we see the signs of February 14, Valentine’s Day—greeting cards with words that rhyme fill the card shops. Merchants, hoping that someone will make a purchase, position the card rack so shoppers can be reminded to send a card that best expresses his or her love to the one dear to the heart. This kind of love, eros, is not out of order provided it is tempered with agape love.

Paul, in the scripture above, describes the results of agape love to the church at Corinth. It’s the same kind of love expressed by Jesus when He went to Calvary. I encourage you to show the affection that is due to the one you love, but always remember the love that God showed to the world when He gave “His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not parish, but have everlasting life.” Over and over again, the Bible tells of the love of God for His people.

The word “love” is used at least 304 times in the Bible. The word “loved” is used 97 times. The word “loved” is used 62 times, and “lovedst,” “loves” “lovest,” “loving,” “loving kindness,” a total of 46 times. So love is surely an attribute that we should specialize in.

As we observe the red hearts and cupid with his bow and arrow, let us remember that there is a greater love that flows from the heart of God. This love is so powerful that it exceeds the gift of prophesy, the understanding of mysteries and knowledge, and if we had the faith to move mountains and had no love, we would be nothing (I Corinthians 13:2).

With ALL my love,,