WHAT IS LOVE?
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | February 7th, 2016
I recently read that over 1 billion dollars of chocolates is purchased for Valentine’s Day. My husband’s money was not included. I just realized that we have been married for over 20 years and he has never bought chocolates for me on Valentine’s Day. This year I finally asked him why. He said he loved me and did not want to be responsible for any weight gain. He did not want me to be angry. He knew if I wanted chocolates, I could afford to buy it. I really did not know how to respond to that. Did he truly love me or was he trying to be funny? It got me thinking about the true meaning of love.
The best definition of love, I believe, is still found in the Bible – 1Corinthians 13:4 -7
‘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 wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’
The funny thing was that he was correct, I probably would have been angry with him if he bought chocolates for me and would have blamed him for any extra pound I gained. I was better off buying my own. He has figured out other ways to make Valentine’s Day special.
Let us remember the true meaning of love this Valentine’s Day when we say I love you. Let us also take this opportunity to talk with our children or any young person in our lives and teach them about the true meaning of love so that when they are ready to be in a relationship they will understand.
Happy Valentine’s Day in advance.
