We all want to be loved. We search for love. I remember the song “Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places”. So, what is love, really?

The definition from the dictionary is:

1. an intense feeling of deep affection
2. a great interest and pleasure in something
3. feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone)

Oxford Dictionaries

In 1 Corinthians 13, this is the definition of love:

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 MSG

This is the love that most of us search for during our lives. It’s not “All about me”. This true love is all about caring, sacrifice, humility, truth and trust.

This God given love doesn’t require happiness to exist, but it does provide great joy. It requires perseverance and hard work in the face of obstacles. Even if you are willing to give this kind of complete love, there is no guarantee that you will receive the same in return. But, this love never looks back, never gives up and never walks away looking for a “better deal.”

Which love would you prefer: The “intense feeling of deep affection” or unending devoted love the “never gives up”?

Are you willing to love and never give up? I hope so. It’s definitely worth it!