February 14, 2007

Valentine’s Day is observed like so many other holidays or special days on the calendar. It is an indulgence. Yes, we should express ourselves to those we love, even with cards and flowers, but love -- real love -- is not about the feelings that this day brings. Real love is to be found and expressed somewhere else.

I refer you to 1 Corinthians 13, especially the part about love being patient and kind and not holding grudges. Anyone see any cards with those sentiments? How about “God is love.” See any cards at the shop expressing that truth?

Our modern view of love is superficial. It is about physical attraction and sexual fulfillment. Those may be byproducts of real love, but none of these represents love in its purest form.

Agape love is pure love. It puts other people first. The pleasure and fulfillment that comes from this kind of love is a byproduct. When sensual love becomes an objective, it often disappoints and rarely lasts. When the love about which god speaks and represents is practiced and embedded in the human heart, all other things fall into place. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.