What is love?

The idea of love has long baffled me.

We live in a society where love is often not distinguished from like, obsession, or enjoyment, and the word itself is thrown around so frequently that it may often be void of any true value. There's an word usage lesson here, but that's not what I'm asking you to see.

Recently, I bumped into an old acquaintance (Walmart, of all places) I hadn't seen in ten years. We chatted for a minute or two and as we walked away, this person hugs me and says, "Oh I just love you so much!" Really?

Or my strung out neighbors, for example. Every Friday night they consume too many illegal substances, he beats the tar out of her, she throws glass bottles at him, and two hours later they're caressing and proclaiming their vibrant, undying love. I beg to differ.

I can accept that humanity is flawed, and I understand we often make mistakes and even hurt the ones we love. I'm not attacking mistakes, I'm waging war on empty words. I'm challenging you to love those around you with more than your mouth. Remember that age old phrase your mother taught you?

"Actions speak louder than words, honey."

Well, mama was right. Love is a verb. "An action requiring your involvement and your active participation," as my last Pinterest find pointed out. I'm so tired of "I love you" being a obligated phrase people feel compelled to recite. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, and let your words stand behind your actions.

When we put our money where our mouth is, our families will heal. Our marriages will blossom and our children will trust us. Let love win.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8