Joseph Otsibah 
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Each February, expressions of affection dominate public spaces, especially during the Valentine season. Yet, in the midst of roses and grand gestures, an important question arises: Have we misunderstood love?
In contemporary culture, love is often equated with feelings, pleasure, and personal fulfilment. It is portrayed in music, films, and social media as attraction or emotional excitement. Gradually, what is sacred has been reduced to sentiment and self-interest. When love is defined merely by how one feels, it becomes fragile and conditional.
This misconception is particularly visible during Valentine’s celebrations. Love is frequently marketed as expensive gifts, romantic displays, and sensual indulgence. While thoughtful gestures are not wrong, love that demands compromise of one’s values or dignity is not love at all. When individuals lower their standards simply to feel accepted, they embrace a distorted version of love. Such expectations often leave hearts wounded and disillusioned.
Scripture, however, offers a higher lens. The Bible declares that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Love is not merely what God does; it is who He is. Therefore, true love cannot be defined outside His nature. In 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4, love is described as patient, kind, enduring, truthful, and selfless. It seeks not its own advantage but the good of others.
As believers, we are called to reflect this love. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:14 that we are the light of the world. We must therefore live out genuine love in our homes, relationships, and communities. As the late Aps Dr Michael Ntumy once noted, God’s love is meaningless if it is not shared.
For those who have been hurt by false expressions of love, there is hope. God restores and redeems. His love heals wounds and realigns hearts with truth. Indeed, love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Beyond feelings and fleeting emotions, love remains greatest when it reflects the very nature of God.
Written by Lydia Afrah Sarpong (PIWC Odorkor)
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