The Bible describes what love truly is, or at least what it is supposed to be, in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. It's found in Chapter 13, verses 4 through 8a, which read:

“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, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.”

The word “love,” which is used throughout this passage in its original language, Greek, is the word “agape.” It describes unconditional, self-sacrificial love that we are to have for one another. As Valentine's Day approaches, I often wonder how far our society today has fallen away from this kind of unfailing love.

According to “Hallmark Research,” 192 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually. That makes it the second-most popular card-giving occasion, second only to Christmas. I wonder how much “agape” love is written within those 192 million cards. And why so many relationships, teen and adult alike, fail so miserably. As a senior in high school, I don't pretend to fully understand the amazing concept of love. However, based on the description of love given to us in the passage of Scripture at left, I think I have a decent picture of what it should be. Unfortunately, “love” in our society seems to have fallen flat on its face.

Whether it's flowers and chocolate or sugar candies and cards, the focus of many in today's world has slipped into superficial attraction as opposed to true love. I have heard numerous people refer to Valentine's Day as “National Hallmark Day.” As cynical as that may sound, based on the number of cards exchanged, it doesn't seem to be too far from the truth.

This is not to say that true love does not exist. I believe it's alive and flourishing in many people's lives. And I believe that giving cards, candy, etc. can be great ways to show affection and care for the people in your life.

I'm just afraid that we've allowed ourselves to stray too far from what love should be, and that we've tried to adapt it for our own selfishness. We have allowed it to become something that's all about “work” and not about genuine care, about frustrations instead of appreciation, about giving gifts instead of giving of ourselves.

My hope is that this Valentine's Day, as the flowers are given and the chocolates are eaten, we would take a moment to stop and think about why we're giving those gifts. I hope that we would care enough for the people in our lives to be genuine and honest; that we would be compassionate and patient. I hope that we can appreciate what love truly is, and be thankful for those who show it to us.

And this Valentine's Day, I know it has to start with me. I need to be thankful for the love of my family and friends. I should buy those nice things, not because it's “National Hallmark Day,” but because of true “agape” love that I want to share with those I care about.