2494) It’s always interesting to me to observe some of my young scholars fall in love. They usually swing all the way toward bliss, feeling as if they’re walking on air, and then, almost as quickly, swing the opposite way in their feelings.

As adults, we learn, hopefully, that yes, love carries strong feelings, but love is also a choice.

This is important to acknowledge when reading 1 John 4:8.

The verse reads, anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

If all there is to love is feelings, this verse would be devastating to those who strive to do what God says. But fortunately, love isn’t about feelings. What does love look like?

Love is patient, kind, not envious, non-boasting, and not proud. Love doesn’t dishonor others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

All the above list are things we can choose to do. Putting this list together with 1 John 4:8 shows us that these choices reflect the character of God. Where is the love? People should be able to see from our choices what God is like. This is a big responsibility.