What is LOVE?

What is love? (“Baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me, no more….”)

Love. According to the bible:

Love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no records of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

But, what does that MEAN? I have heard those words over and over but haven’t really REALLY grasped the concept. Sooooo I got out my trusty Rogets International Thesaurus ((yay.))

What love IS

Love is patient. Love supports, sustains, bears with, puts up with, stands for, takes what comes, braves, holds still, stands still for, submits, grins and bears it, is armed with patience.

Love is accepting, understanding, indulgent, long-suffering, enduring, disciplined, self-controlled, persevering, humble, adapting. All in good time. Good things come to those who wait. 

Love is good, decent, gracious, warmhearted, tender, loving, affectionate, sympathetic, compassionate, brotherly, sweet, mild, easy to get along with, agreeable

Love is bighearted, generous, considerate, thoughtful, attentive, tactful, mindful of others, has good intentions.

Love is humble, modest, simple, Christlike.

Love comes on bended knee, treats well, does right by, is at ones service, spoils, has heart in the right place, makes love not war.

Love minds ones manners, observes etiquette, waits upon, is graceful, old fashioned, chivalrous, well-mannered & well-spoken, housebroken, refined, ladylike, suave, thinking of others, makes a sacrifice, does unto others, is unpretentious.

Love is devoted, committed, unpossessive, great souled, openhanded, noble, doing the right thing, upright, honest, pure, clean, innocent.

Love plays by the rules, practices what it preaches, speaks the truth, is frank, tells it like it is.

Love is virtuous, full of integrity, openhearted, straightforward, direct, heart to heart, trustworthy, reliable, responsible, faithful.

Love defends, shields, guards, advocates for, champions, fortifies, shelters, keeps safe, nestles, unmolested, undamaged, founded upon a rock, out of harms way, snug, cozy, alls well!

Love takes to heart, attatches weight to, takes on faith, trusts ones word, is confident in, satisfied, certain, easy in ones mind, secure, sure, no doubt, no second thoughts.

Love counts on, looks for, expects, trusts, confides, presumes, feels confident, rests assured, relies on.

Love is optimistic, sunny, of good cheer, upbeat, thinking positively.

Love puts a bold face on, cheers, inspires, supports, promises, looks up, encourages.

Love persists, keeps going, endures, holds on, stays.

Love is faithful, undiscouraged, rain or shine, come what may, all the way.

Next we will look at what love is NOT.