At a time like this when the word ‘Love’ is being thrown around, it is helpful to reflect on what love really is. We have no better example than the Redeemer who gave himself for His Church (Eph. 5:25). He shows us that love essentially involves a self-giving interest and commitment to the well-being of others. It takes the focus off oneself and directs it toward others. Paul gave a classic description of this concept in his epistle to the Corinthians several centuries ago.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind;love does not envy or boast;it is not arrogant or rude.It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Cor 13:1-7)
Dayo Adewoye 