by Erin McKinley

Have you ever wondered how to figure out if someone sincerely loves you or how to honestly love another person. Well, God specifically tells us in the Bible in First Corinthians 13:4-8a, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record 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 . . .”

Our generation has defined love as romance. That is a certain definition of love, but it is not the original definition and intent of the word. The Greek word of love is “agape,” which is unconditional love.

So, do you truly love? Well, ask yourself, “Am I patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful, not proud, not impolite, not selfish, not easily angered, keep no record of wrongs (do not hold a grudge), but rejoice in the truth. Do I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persist, and never fail?” If you have answered no to any of these, try picking one to apply to your life so that you can become a better loving person.

So, as Valentine’s Day comes it does not matter if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend. What really matters is if you truly love.

[Go Back]