Love is something that is talked about a lot. People love foods, cars, jobs, other people, etc. Yet, most people have no idea of what love really is or what love does.

Many times love is taken for granted by children, spouses and parents. It is a good idea to spend time thinking about this subject.

In some people, especially the young, many times lust is thought to be love. The beauty of another human being can open feelings of desire. This is not always bad because God designed humans to have these feelings. However those feelings must be controlled and sexual interaction is to be only in marriage.

"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4).

Jesus taught, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).

This biblical idea gets lost in today’s sexual promiscuity, but God’s word should be the standard followed by all men.

True love goes beyond the outward appearance. Paul wrote in Corinthians about the attributes of love. For this reading the New King James Version will be used.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4–8a).

If one looks closely at this description they will see the kind of love they would want to see from others. Love that understands and is kind, a love that is only seeking the other’s good, love that will last for a lifetime. It is a love that grows and builds trust, friendship and security.

Marriages take work, and learning to give love is a must if they are to be successful. In a world where selfishness is a common thing, all couples should look within themselves to see if they are true givers of love. A spouse may be guilty of thinking only of their wants and needs while thinking they are the ones being denied true love. This way of thinking leads to a break up the home.

The mirror of the soul needs to be looked into on a daily bases to remind one that he or she needs to think first of God and then their spouse. Realizing that giving the proper love will make their home much happier.

Love is a subject that God knows all about and has shown mankind in his word what true love is. God loved man enough to give Jesus to die for the sins of the entire world. In return, he asks for obedience to his will. In this man must also be unselfish, giving in to God’s requests rather than his own desires.

Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

Love returned to God demands obedience to the gospel.